Gastroenterology Coding Alert
ICD-10 Taps Z85.038 For Personal History of Colon Cancer
Don't expect any changes in the code's descriptor when new system kicks off in 2013.
If a patient has a personal history of colon cancer, it can significantly impact his risk of developing the condition. Usually, a high-risk patient would carry a medical history that includes polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain colorectal cancers. Presently, with ICD-9, you code personal history of colorectal cancer with V10.05 (Personal history of malignant neoplasm of large intestine).
ICD-10 difference: When ICD-9-CM shifts to ICD-10-CM in Oct. 1, 2013, code V10.05 will change to Z85.038 (Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of large intestine). Bearing the same descriptor -- except for the word "other" added in ICD-10, you should regard your Z85.038 the same way as you do the ICD-9 code V10.05.
Documentation: According to ICD-10-CM, Z85.038 is applicable to conditions classifiable to parent code C18 (Malignant neoplasm of colon), which includes 'child' codes such as:
Coding tips: ICD-9 guidelines state that you should use history codes (i.e., V10.05) as the reason for an encounter when a condition needs to be monitored for recurrence. You will follow the same guidelines for history codes when ICD-10 begins on Oct. 1, 2013.
Example: When a colorectal cancer is present, you will use an ICD-10 code for malignant neoplasm of the large intestine (C18.3-C18.9 for various sites in the colon, and C19-C21.8 for various sites in the rectum, rectosigmoid junction, and anus). After the cancer discovered is removed, and the patient returns for follow-up visits or for a surveillance colonoscopy, you will bill Z85.038 or Z85.048 (Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of rectum, rectosigmoid junction, and anus).
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