Malignant neoplasms of eye, brain and other parts of central nervous system
ICD-10 Codes (34)
C70C70.0C70.1C70.9C71C71.0C71.1C71.2C71.3C71.4C71.5C71.6C71.7C71.8C71.9C72C72.0C72.1C72.2C72.20C72.21C72.22C72.3C72.30C72.31C72.32C72.4C72.40C72.41C72.42C72.5C72.50C72.59C72.9Updates & 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 C69-C72 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 C69-C72 pertains to malignant neoplasms of the eye, brain, and other parts of the central nervous system. These codes are used to document various types of cancers that affect these areas, including primary and secondary malignancies, and whether the disease is in situ, benign, or of uncertain behavior. The codes provide detailed information about the location and type of the neoplasm, aiding in accurate diagnosis, treatment, and billing.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Use additional codes to specify any associated conditions or complications.
- •Differentiate between primary and secondary malignancies.
- •Specify the type of neoplasm (benign, in situ, malignant, or uncertain).
- •Use combination codes when necessary to accurately depict the patient's condition.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the eye.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the brain.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the spinal cord.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the meninges.
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the cranial nerves.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a benign neoplasm of the eye, brain, or other parts of the central nervous system.
- ✗When a patient has a non-neoplastic disease of the eye, brain, or other parts of the central nervous system.
- ✗When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the peripheral nerves.
- ✗When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of the endocrine glands.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes C69-C72 should include the type, location, and behavior of the neoplasm. Any associated conditions or complications should also be documented. The patient's history, physical examination findings, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans should be included in the documentation.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of neoplasm
- •Location of neoplasm
- •Behavior of neoplasm
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Patient's history and physical examination findings
Supporting Evidence:
- •Diagnostic test results
- •Pathology reports
- •Imaging studies
- •Treatment plans
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the right optic nerve, confirmed by MRI. Patient has a history of glaucoma.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a brain tumor.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of neoplasm
- ⚠Not specifying the location of the neoplasm
- ⚠Not specifying the behavior of the neoplasm
- ⚠Not documenting associated conditions or complications
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for malignant neoplasms of the eye, brain, and other parts of the central nervous system can be complex due to the need to accurately depict the type, location, and behavior of the neoplasm, as well as any associated conditions or complications. Additionally, coders must differentiate between primary and secondary malignancies and use combination codes when necessary. Staying up-to-date with the latest ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting is also essential.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the type, location, and behavior of the neoplasm
- ▸Identifying any associated conditions or complications
- ▸Differentiating between primary and secondary malignancies
- ▸Using combination codes when necessary
- ▸Staying up-to-date with the latest ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by oncologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, and neurosurgeons.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with vision loss and is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the retina.
- • A patient presents with headaches and is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the brain.
- • A patient presents with back pain and is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the spinal cord.
- • A patient presents with seizures and is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the meninges.
- • A patient presents with facial numbness and is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the cranial nerves.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding malignant neoplasms of the eye, brain, and other parts of the central nervous system.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Guidelines
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Coding Guidelines
Clinical References:
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Guidelines
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Clinical Guidelines
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- AHIMA ICD-10-CM Coding Workbook
- AAPC ICD-10-CM Coding Training
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I differentiate between primary and secondary malignancies?
Primary malignancies originate in the site where they are found, while secondary malignancies have spread from another site. This information should be documented in the patient's medical record.
What is a combination code?
A combination code is a single code used to classify two diagnoses, a diagnosis with an associated symptom or manifestation, or a diagnosis with an associated complication.