ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC48.2

C48.2

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of peritoneum, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C48.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of peritoneum, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C48.2 refers to malignant neoplasms located in the peritoneum, which is the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. These tumors can arise from various cell types, including mesothelial cells, and may present as primary peritoneal carcinomas or secondary tumors resulting from metastasis. The peritoneum is a common site for the spread of cancers originating in other organs, such as ovarian, colorectal, and gastric cancers. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, ascites, and changes in bowel habits. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, and may be confirmed through biopsy. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and palliative care, depending on the tumor's origin, stage, and overall patient health. Grading of the tumor is essential for determining prognosis and treatment strategies, with higher-grade tumors generally associated with poorer outcomes. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate reimbursement and tracking of cancer incidence and treatment outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary tumors
  • Variability in presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of staging and grading
  • Multidisciplinary management requiring input from various specialties

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and origin
  • Failure to specify staging and grading
  • Misclassification of primary vs. metastatic disease
  • Lack of multidisciplinary notes in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, treatment planning for chemotherapy, and surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and grading are documented to support coding and treatment decisions.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the extent of disease and surgical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical resection of peritoneal tumors, management of complications such as bowel obstruction.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any findings that may affect coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C48.2 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C48
  • 2 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm of the peritoneum is not specified
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any relevant staging or grading information is included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C48.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a malignant neoplasm of the peritoneum is suspected and requires surgical exploration.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and any biopsies taken.

Specialty Considerations

Surgeons must document the extent of disease and any complications encountered.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of malignant neoplasms, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of cancer incidence and treatment outcomes. C48.2 provides a necessary code for unspecified peritoneal malignancies, which may have been underrepresented in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of malignant neoplasms, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of cancer incidence and treatment outcomes. C48.2 provides a necessary code for unspecified peritoneal malignancies, which may have been underrepresented in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance with payer requirements.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of grading in malignant neoplasms of the peritoneum?

Grading helps determine the aggressiveness of the tumor and guides treatment decisions. Higher-grade tumors typically require more aggressive treatment and have a poorer prognosis.