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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC46.3

C46.3

Billable

Kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nodes

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C46.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nodes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that arises from the endothelial cells lining blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. It is characterized by the development of tumors that can appear as red, purple, or brown lesions on the skin, but it can also affect internal organs, including lymph nodes. KS is most commonly associated with immunocompromised states, particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The lymph node involvement in KS can lead to lymphadenopathy, which may present as swollen lymph nodes that can be painful or asymptomatic. The pathophysiology of KS involves the infection of endothelial cells by Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), leading to abnormal proliferation and angiogenesis. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and biopsy of affected tissues. Treatment options for Kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nodes may include antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive patients, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the extent of the disease and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of HIV/AIDS associations and their impact on coding.
  • Differentiation from other types of sarcomas and lymphomas.
  • Documentation must specify lymph node involvement.
  • Potential for multiple sites of involvement complicating coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of HIV status.
  • Failure to specify lymph node involvement.
  • Misclassification of KS as another type of cancer.
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with skin lesions and lymphadenopathy, requiring biopsy and staging.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and grading of KS for appropriate treatment coding.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

HIV status, CD4 counts, and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of HIV-positive patients with KS, requiring coordination of antiretroviral therapy.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the relationship between HIV and KS is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C46.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C46
  • 3 should be used when there is confirmed Kaposi's sarcoma specifically affecting lymph nodes
  • It is important to document the extent of the disease and any associated conditions, such as HIV/AIDS

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C46.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm KS diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must be included.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology specialists should ensure accurate reporting of findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Kaposi's sarcoma, enabling better tracking of the disease's association with HIV and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Kaposi's sarcoma, enabling better tracking of the disease's association with HIV and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Kaposi's sarcoma, enabling better tracking of the disease's association with HIV and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Kaposi's Sarcoma Research and Education Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Kaposi's Sarcoma Research and Education Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of Kaposi's sarcoma?

Kaposi's sarcoma is primarily caused by infection with Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.