Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs
ICD-10 Codes (48)
C31C31.0C31.1C31.2C31.3C31.8C31.9C32C32.0C32.1C32.2C32.3C32.8C32.9C33C34C34.0C34.00C34.01C34.02C34.1C34.10C34.11C34.12C34.2C34.3C34.30C34.31C34.32C34.8C34.80C34.81C34.82C34.9C34.90C34.91C34.92C37C38C38.0C38.1C38.2C38.3C38.4C38.8C39C39.0C39.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (2)
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for C30-C39 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range C30-C39 pertains to malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs. These codes are used to document various types of cancers affecting organs such as the nose, middle ear, larynx, trachea, bronchus, lung, heart, mediastinum, and pleura. The codes provide a detailed classification of the disease's location, type, and behavior, aiding in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and statistical tracking.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Use combination codes when multiple organs are affected.
- •Utilize additional codes to identify any associated conditions or complications.
- •Remember to code for laterality when applicable.
- •Consider the patient's history of malignancy when coding.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the trachea.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the heart.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the pleura.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the mediastinum.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a benign neoplasm of the respiratory and intrathoracic organs.
- ✗When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs.
- ✗When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the breast.
- ✗When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the urinary organs.
- ✗When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the skin.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the patient's medical record and the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Accurate documentation is crucial for coding malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs. It should clearly indicate the type, location, and behavior of the neoplasm, as well as any associated conditions or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of the malignant neoplasm.
- •Exact location of the malignant neoplasm.
- •Behavior of the malignant neoplasm.
- •Presence of any associated conditions or complications.
- •Patient's history of malignancy.
Supporting Evidence:
- •Pathology reports.
- •Imaging studies.
- •Surgical notes.
- •Oncology consultation notes.
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the right lung, confirmed by biopsy.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has lung cancer.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not coding to the highest level of specificity.
- âš Failure to code for laterality when applicable.
- âš Not using combination codes when multiple organs are affected.
- âš Not coding for associated conditions or complications.
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs can be complex due to the need for high specificity, use of combination codes, and consideration of patient's history of malignancy. Additionally, coding for associated conditions or complications and laterality can add to the complexity.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Need for high specificity.
- â–¸Use of combination codes.
- â–¸Consideration of patient's history of malignancy.
- â–¸Coding for associated conditions or complications.
- â–¸Coding for laterality.
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by oncologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons. They are also relevant for radiologists and pathologists who provide supporting evidence for the diagnosis.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the left lung.
- • A patient with a malignant neoplasm of the trachea undergoing surgery.
- • A patient with a history of laryngeal cancer presenting with dysphonia.
- • A patient with pleural mesothelioma undergoing chemotherapy.
- • A patient with a malignant neoplasm of the heart presenting with chest pain.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs, including the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, clinical references, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines
Clinical References:
- American Cancer Society guidelines
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10 training materials
- AAPC ICD-10 training materials
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a patient with a history of lung cancer?
Use a code from the Z85.1- category to indicate a personal history of malignant neoplasm of respiratory and intrathoracic organs.
What is the code for small cell carcinoma of the lung?
The code for small cell carcinoma of the lung is C34.90 if the lung's side is not specified. If the side is specified, use C34.91 for right lung and C34.92 for left lung.
How do I code for a malignant neoplasm of the pleura?
The code for a malignant neoplasm of the pleura is C38.4.