Wiki Breast Cancer vs. hx of Breast Cancer

[swhager]

Hello. I want opinions here. If a patient is seen for a proven dx of breast cancer and then has a lumpectomy or mastectomy, are all subsequent visits billed as Z85.3 (History of breast cancer)?
I was taught that once the cancer is removed, we can no longer bill with the cancer dx.
Thoughts?
Thanks

 

[luhre]

Coding Data Analyst, CPC

I believe you would still code with the cancer diagnosis as long as the patient is still being treated, Chemotherapy, Radiation, meds...

 

[erjones147]

As long as the patient is receiving any therapy, treatment, or antineoplastic drugs, you would code the cancer as active

 

[thomas7331]

Agree with the above. As long as the cancer is still being treated, and until a physician documents that patient no longer has the cancer, the coding should reflect active disease.