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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC77.2

C77.2

Billable

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intra-abdominal lymph nodes

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C77.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intra-abdominal lymph nodes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C77.2 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the intra-abdominal lymph nodes from a primary cancer site, which may be unknown. This condition indicates that cancer cells have spread from their original site to the lymph nodes located within the abdominal cavity. The presence of malignant cells in these lymph nodes often signifies advanced disease and can complicate treatment options. Patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy. The staging of this condition is crucial, as it helps determine the extent of disease spread and guides treatment decisions. In cases where the primary tumor is not identified, further diagnostic workup may be necessary to locate the source of metastasis. Palliative care considerations are essential for managing symptoms and improving quality of life, especially in advanced stages where curative treatment may not be feasible. The management of patients with C77.2 often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including oncologists, palliative care specialists, and primary care providers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer can be challenging.
  • Requires knowledge of metastatic patterns and staging.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the secondary nature of the neoplasm.
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary lymph node involvement.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site.
  • Failure to specify whether the neoplasm is secondary.
  • Misclassification of lymph node involvement.
  • Lack of staging information in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Clear documentation of the primary cancer site, staging, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known primary cancers presenting with abdominal lymphadenopathy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of metastatic disease.

Palliative Care

Documentation Requirements

Detailed symptom management plans and goals of care discussions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with advanced cancer requiring symptom relief.

Billing Considerations

Focus on quality of life and symptom management documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C77.2 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is clear documentation of secondary malignancy in intra
  • abdominal lymph nodes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C77.2 When
  • Exclude cases where the primary site is known and coded separately

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of lymph node biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm malignancy in lymph nodes.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must be included in the medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists should ensure that biopsy results are clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient 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 significance of coding C77.2?

Coding C77.2 accurately reflects the presence of secondary malignant neoplasms in intra-abdominal lymph nodes, which is crucial for treatment planning and understanding the extent of disease.