Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Ask for 'Low Malignant Potential' Tumor Definition

Published on Sat Sep 09, 2006

Question: The pathology report came back as -Serous tumor of low malignant potential (atypical proliferative serous tumor of ovary).- Should I use 183.0?


Florida Subscriber
Answer: No, you should not use 183.0 (Malignant neoplasm of ovary). This type of tumor is benign because after the oncologist removes it, the patient has a 95-100 percent cure rate.
 
Think of this as a borderline tumor. If it is not invasive (and this appears to be the case here), you should consider the tumor benign and use 220 (Benign neoplasm of ovary).

If your documentation shows invasion, you should consider it a low-grade cancer. In that case, you-ll probably want to use 236.2 (Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of ovary). Check with your physician to determine which he prefers.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All