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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC74.9

C74.9

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of adrenal gland

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C74.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of adrenal gland.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C74.9 refers to a malignant neoplasm located in the adrenal gland, where the specific site within the gland is not specified. The adrenal glands, located atop each kidney, are responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and stress responses. Malignant neoplasms in this area can disrupt normal hormone production, leading to various metabolic disorders. Common types of adrenal malignancies include adrenal cortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma, which can lead to excess production of hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines. Symptoms may include hypertension, weight gain, and abnormal glucose metabolism. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, hormone level assessments, and histopathological examination following biopsy. Treatment often requires surgical intervention, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the tumor's characteristics and stage. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological data related to adrenal malignancies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified site within the adrenal gland complicates coding specificity.
  • Potential overlap with other adrenal neoplasms requiring careful differentiation.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support malignancy diagnosis.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and hormone secretion patterns.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the malignancy's characteristics.
  • Lack of clarity on the specific site of the neoplasm.
  • Inconsistent hormone level assessments in medical records.
  • Failure to document treatment plans and outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed hormone level assessments, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.

Billing Considerations

Endocrinologists must ensure comprehensive documentation of hormonal assays and imaging studies to support the diagnosis.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Pathology reports, staging information, and treatment protocols.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing surgical resection of adrenal tumors or receiving chemotherapy.

Billing Considerations

Oncologists should document tumor characteristics and response to treatment to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C74.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C74
  • 9 should be used when the specific site of the adrenal gland is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation, including imaging and pathology reports
  • malignant conditions affecting the adrenal glands

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C74.9 When
  • Exclusion criteria include benign neoplasms and non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT 60540CPT Code

Adrenalectomy, open

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical removal of adrenal tumors.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinologists and oncologists must ensure accurate coding based on surgical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of adrenal malignancies, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. C74.9 provides a mechanism to capture cases where the specific site is not documented, although it may lead to challenges in reimbursement if not adequately supported by clinical documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of adrenal malignancies, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. C74.9 provides a mechanism to capture cases where the specific site is not documented, although it may lead to challenges in reimbursement if not adequately supported by clinical documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement if not adequately supported by clinical documentation.

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 should be documented to support the use of C74.9?

Documentation should include imaging studies, pathology reports confirming malignancy, and any relevant hormone level assessments. Clear clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms and treatment plans are also essential.