Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: Pathology reports came back indicating a malignant carcinoid tumor of the lung. Our charge sheet shows 162.9, but I think 209.21 is correct. Which should I use?

Rhode Island Subscriber

Answer: You should report 209.21 (Malignant carcinoid tumor of the bronchus and lung) to represent the tumor. CPT introduced this code in 2008. Before then, coders reported 162.9 (Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung; bronchus and lung, unspecified) for malignant lung/bronchial tumors unless the notes indicated a specific section of the bronchus.

Don't Forget: When using the 209.xx codes, ICD-9 instructional notes indicate that you should "code first any associated multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (258.01-258.03)."

Smart move: Be sure your charge sheet is up to date with ICD-9 2011 codes.