Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Lung Diagnosis Goes Further Than 162.9

Published on Mon Mar 23, 2009

Question: Should we submit separate diagnoses for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCL) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)? We currently only report 162.9. New York Subscriber Answer: You don't need separate diagnoses but should code more specifically regarding tumor site. There are four main types of lung cancer, categorized by how the cancerous cells appear under a microscope: - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), also called oat cell cancer (SCLC spreads rapidly and is more likely than other types to have metastasized) - Squamous cell carcinoma, also called epidermoid carcinoma - Adenocarcinoma, which is likely to spread to lymph nodes and other organs - Large cell carcinoma, which includes cells that are not diagnosed as squamous, adenocarcinoma, or SCLC. Regardless of the cell type, you code primary malignant neoplasm of the lung as 162.x, with the fourth-digit subcategory identifying the specified site of the cancer: - 162.0 -- Malignant neoplasm of [...]
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