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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC46.4

C46.4

Billable

Kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C46.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites.

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 in the skin, lymph nodes, and internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. KS is most commonly associated with immunosuppression, particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The gastrointestinal involvement can manifest as lesions in the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and malabsorption. The lesions may appear as purple or brown spots and can be mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopic examination and biopsy of the lesions. Treatment options for KS include antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive patients, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and local therapies such as cryotherapy or laser therapy. The prognosis for patients with gastrointestinal KS varies based on the extent of disease and response to treatment, with early detection and management being crucial for improving outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of HIV/AIDS association and its impact on KS.
  • Differentiation from other gastrointestinal tumors and lesions.
  • Documentation of immunocompromised status is essential.
  • Need for precise coding of the site of lesions within the gastrointestinal tract.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of HIV status.
  • Failure to specify the gastrointestinal site of lesions.
  • Misclassification of KS lesions as benign conditions.
  • 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

Diagnosis and management of KS in HIV-positive patients, treatment response evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Need for multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists.

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Endoscopic findings, biopsy results, and symptomatology related to gastrointestinal involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction due to KS lesions.

Billing Considerations

Importance of distinguishing KS from other gastrointestinal malignancies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C46.4 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C46
  • 4 should be used when documenting Kaposi's sarcoma specifically affecting gastrointestinal sites
  • Coders must ensure that the patient's HIV status is documented and that the specific site of the lesions is clearly indicated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C46.4 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other types of sarcomas or malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

43200CPT Code

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Clinical Scenario

Used for diagnosis and biopsy of gastrointestinal KS lesions.

Documentation Requirements

Endoscopy report detailing findings and biopsy results.

Specialty Considerations

Gastroenterology specialists should document the extent of lesions.

96413CPT Code

Chemotherapy administration

Clinical Scenario

Administering chemotherapy for KS treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Treatment plan and response to therapy.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology specialists must document the rationale for chemotherapy.

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, including the ability to specify the site of lesions. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Kaposi's sarcoma, including the ability to specify the site of lesions. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance with payer requirements.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Kaposi's Sarcoma: A Guide for Patients and Families

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Kaposi's Sarcoma: A Guide for Patients and Families

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of coding C46.4?

Coding C46.4 is crucial for accurately representing the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma affecting gastrointestinal sites, which has implications for treatment and management, especially in patients with HIV.