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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC66.2

C66.2

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of left ureter

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C66.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of left ureter.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C66.2 refers to a malignant neoplasm located in the left ureter, which is a critical component of the urinary tract responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Malignant neoplasms of the ureter are relatively rare compared to other urinary tract malignancies, such as bladder cancer or renal cell carcinoma. The clinical presentation may include hematuria (blood in urine), flank pain, and urinary obstruction. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound, along with cystoscopy and biopsy for histological confirmation. Staging of ureteral cancer is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach, which may include surgical resection, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Surgical management often involves nephroureterectomy, where the affected ureter and potentially the kidney are removed, especially in cases of localized disease. The prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis, with early-stage cancers having a better outcome than those diagnosed at a more advanced stage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between malignant and benign neoplasms
  • Staging complexity due to varying treatment protocols
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor location and extent
  • Potential for co-existing urinary tract conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor staging
  • Failure to specify laterality (left vs. right)
  • Misclassification of neoplasm type (malignant vs. benign)
  • Lack of supporting imaging or pathology reports

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pathology results are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Urologists frequently encounter patients with hematuria, flank pain, or urinary obstruction due to ureteral malignancies.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure that all relevant findings are documented, including tumor size, location, and any associated renal involvement.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive cancer staging documentation, including imaging and biopsy results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Oncologists often manage patients post-surgery or those undergoing chemotherapy for ureteral cancer.

Billing Considerations

Oncologists should document treatment plans and responses to therapy to support coding for malignancy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C66.2 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C66
  • 2 should be used when the malignancy is confirmed through pathology
  • It is essential to document the laterality and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C66.2 When
  • Exclusion criteria include benign neoplasms or neoplasms of other urinary tract sites

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

50590CPT Code

Nephroureterectomy

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical management of malignant neoplasm of the ureter.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists must document the extent of resection and any complications.

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 the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C66.2 provides a clear distinction for left ureter malignancies, enhancing clinical understanding and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of malignant neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C66.2 provides a clear distinction for left ureter malignancies, enhancing clinical understanding and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C66.2 provides a clear distinction for left ureter malignancies, enhancing clinical understanding and management.

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 primary treatment for malignant neoplasm of the left ureter?

The primary treatment is often surgical resection, typically nephroureterectomy, depending on the stage and extent of the disease.