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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

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Best Dx for Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma

Published on Mon Mar 23, 2009

Question: Which diagnosis is more appropriate for diffuse large cell lymphoma: 202.80 or 200.70? Illinois Subscribe Answer: According to Dorland's Medical Dictionary, a diffuse, large cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma composed of large cleaved and noncleaved cells in a diffuse pattern of infiltration; it is similar to the diffuse mixed variety and has an intermediate grade of malignancy. Based on this definition, 200.70 (Large cell lymphoma; unspecified site, extranodal and solid organ sites) isn't your most accurate choice. Instead, report diagnosis 202.8x (Other malignant neoplasms of lymphoid and histiocytic tissue; other lymphomas). Code the fifth digit according to the neoplasm's location.
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