Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
Rely on Biopsy for Malignant Bladder Tumor Confirmation
Question: Our oncologist treated a patient for suspected bladder cancer. The diagnosis documented was ‘adherent, stone like structure with calcification affixed to the right lateral bladder wall, measuring 1-2mm.’ The biopsy report is still awaited. Which ICD-10-CM code can we report this diagnosis? Arizona Subscriber Answer: You can use diagnosis code D49.4 (Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of bladder). This is because your provider hasn’t yet specified if the neoplasm was malignant. This code represents the confirmation of diagnosis due upon receiving the final pathology report. Note: When the biopsy report confirms a malignancy, you can submit C67.2 (Malignant neoplasm of lateral wall of bladder).
Related Articles
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- Stem Cell Transplants:
Defining Origin/Donor Will Help You Avoid Making Stem Cell Transplant Coding Mishaps
Should you report a code for every stem cell collection session? Find out. When oncologists [...] - Biopsy:
3 Tips Draw the Line Between FNA and PNB Procedures
Watch out, mistakes will cost $78 per procedure. When the oncologist merely documents “biopsy” for [...] - Appeals:
Navigate the Medicare Part A and B Appeals Process with Ease
Dig into the 5 levels of the appeals process. You submit a claim to your [...] - You Be the Coder:
Check Laterality for Hearing Loss
Question: Our physician documented a diagnosis of mixed hearing loss in a patient who was [...] - Reader Question:
Are Fatigue and Asthenia the Same? Find Out
Question: In a patient with confirmed cancer, our oncologist documented fatigue. How can we report [...] - Reader Question:
Rely on Biopsy for Malignant Bladder Tumor Confirmation
Question: Our oncologist treated a patient for suspected bladder cancer. The diagnosis documented was ‘adherent, [...] - Reader Question:
Differentiate Collection and Transfusion of Autologous Blood
Question: How can we bill for outpatient autologous blood transfusions? Are there different codes for [...] - Reader Question:
Service Duration, Payer Policies Influence Observation Coding
Question: A patient with hematological malignancy was given chemotherapy subsequent to which the patient returned [...]
