Lisa Bledsoe
True Blue
Isn't there something in writing somewhere either in the ICD-9 coding guidelines, the ICD-9 manual itself, or CMS that one should not code a "mass" as a neoplasm unless specified as such? I need to find it...if it exists. 
-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki ICD-9 coding "mass"
- Thread starter Lisa Bledsoe
- Start date
Masses : A final diagnosis or finding of a mass is generally designated as such because further workup is needed to define the morphology.
Meaning I cant tell you if it is a neoplasm let alone benign or malignant until a path report comes back
here is an Oncology link. It's just a 2 page exerpt of the full manual (have to buy) but addresses mass and lymphoma
http://www.codingstrategies.com/images/books/Sample Oncology Diagnosis Coding.pdf
A neoplasm is any new or abnormal growth in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive.
A mass or lesion is not necessarily a neoplasm. Do not assign a neoplasm code unless the diagnosis documented by the physician is indexed to a neoplasm code in ICD-9-CM. For a diagnosis of “mass,” look in the Alphabetic Index under main term “mass.” If there is no subterm listed for the site you are trying to code, follow the instructions in the subterm for “specified organ NEC”
Meaning I cant tell you if it is a neoplasm let alone benign or malignant until a path report comes back
here is an Oncology link. It's just a 2 page exerpt of the full manual (have to buy) but addresses mass and lymphoma
http://www.codingstrategies.com/images/books/Sample Oncology Diagnosis Coding.pdf
A neoplasm is any new or abnormal growth in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive.
A mass or lesion is not necessarily a neoplasm. Do not assign a neoplasm code unless the diagnosis documented by the physician is indexed to a neoplasm code in ICD-9-CM. For a diagnosis of “mass,” look in the Alphabetic Index under main term “mass.” If there is no subterm listed for the site you are trying to code, follow the instructions in the subterm for “specified organ NEC”
Lisa Bledsoe
True Blue
Thank you!
TaraDaro
New
updated link
Is there an updated link? This one doesn't work for me. Thank you!
Is there an updated link? This one doesn't work for me. Thank you!
mitchellde
True Blue
in the ICD-9 book under the 239 category is a note that states the term mass unless otherwise stated is not to be regarded as a neoplastic growth