Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes
ICD-10 Codes (112)
D38D38.0D38.1D38.2D38.3D38.4D38.5D38.6D39D39.0D39.1D39.10D39.11D39.12D39.2D39.8D39.9D40D40.0D40.1D40.10D40.11D40.12D40.8D40.9D41D41.0D41.00D41.01D41.02D41.1D41.10D41.11D41.12D41.2D41.20D41.21D41.22D41.3D41.4D41.8D41.9D42D42.0D42.1D42.9D43D43.0D43.1D43.2D43.3D43.4D43.8D43.9D44D44.0D44.1D44.10D44.11D44.12D44.2D44.3D44.4D44.5D44.6D44.7D44.9D45D46D46.0D46.1D46.2D46.20D46.21D46.22D46.4D46.9D47D47.0D47.01D47.02D47.09D47.1D47.2D47.3D47.4D47.9D48D48.0D48.1D48.11D48.110D48.111D48.112D48.113D48.114D48.115D48.116D48.117D48.118D48.119D48.19D48.2D48.3D48.4D48.5D48.6D48.60D48.61D48.62D48.7D48.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
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 D37-D48 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 D37-D48 pertains to Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera, and myelodysplastic syndromes. These codes are used to classify and report diagnoses where the behavior of the neoplasm (tumor) is uncertain or unspecified, and for conditions like polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes. The codes provide a way to track these conditions, inform treatment strategies, and aid in epidemiological studies.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or complications.
- •For neoplasms of uncertain behavior, the site of the neoplasm should be identified.
- •Polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes have specific codes within this range.
- •Follow the alphabetic index and tabular list for correct code selection.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When the behavior of the neoplasm is uncertain after diagnostic workup.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with polycythemia vera.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a myelodysplastic syndrome.
- ✓When the site of the neoplasm is known but its behavior is uncertain.
- ✓When the neoplasm is stated as uncertain, possible, probable, suspected, likely, questionable, or rule out.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the behavior of the neoplasm is confirmed as benign or malignant.
- ✗When the site of the neoplasm is not known.
- ✗When the patient has a history of neoplasm, but no current disease.
- ✗When the patient has a family history of neoplasm, but no personal diagnosis.
- ✗When the patient has a neoplasm-related syndrome but not a neoplasm.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the Tabular List of the ICD-10-CM.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in the D37-D48 range should clearly state the diagnosis, the behavior of the neoplasm if known, and the site of the neoplasm. For polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes, the specific condition should be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Behavior of the neoplasm
- •Site of the neoplasm
- •Presence of any associated conditions or complications
- •Results of any diagnostic tests
Supporting Evidence:
- •Pathology reports
- •Imaging reports
- •Laboratory test results
- •Clinical notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with neoplasm of uncertain behavior of the liver.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a liver neoplasm.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the behavior of the neoplasm
- âš Not specifying the site of the neoplasm
- âš Not including associated conditions or complications
- âš Not using the highest level of specificity
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding in this range is considered medium. This is due to the need to determine the behavior and site of the neoplasm, identify any associated conditions or complications, follow the alphabetic index and tabular list for correct code selection, and code to the highest level of specificity.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the behavior of the neoplasm
- â–¸Identifying the site of the neoplasm
- â–¸Identifying any associated conditions or complications
- â–¸Following the alphabetic index and tabular list for correct code selection
- â–¸Coding to the highest level of specificity
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by oncologists, hematologists, and pathologists. They are also used by general practitioners and internists when a patient presents with a neoplasm of uncertain behavior or a condition like polycythemia vera or a myelodysplastic syndrome.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with a liver neoplasm of uncertain behavior.
- • A patient is diagnosed with polycythemia vera.
- • A patient has a neoplasm of uncertain behavior in the pancreas.
- • A patient is diagnosed with a myelodysplastic syndrome.
- • A patient has a neoplasm of uncertain behavior in the lung.
Resources & References
Resources for these codes include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). These resources provide coding guidelines, clinical documentation tips, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- AHIMA Coding Guidelines
- AAPC Coding Guidelines
Clinical References:
- National Cancer Institute
- American Society of Hematology
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10 Training
- AAPC ICD-10 Training
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a neoplasm of uncertain behavior and a neoplasm of unspecified behavior?
A neoplasm of uncertain behavior is one where the behavior is not specified as either benign or malignant after diagnostic workup. A neoplasm of unspecified behavior is one where the behavior is not stated in the medical record.