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 CodesC78.30

C78.30

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified respiratory organ

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C78.30 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified respiratory organ.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C78.30 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to an unspecified respiratory organ. This condition indicates that cancer has spread from its original site (the primary tumor) to the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system, but the primary site is not identified. Metastatic disease often presents with symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, and respiratory distress, and may be diagnosed through imaging studies or biopsies. Staging of metastatic cancer is crucial, as it influences treatment decisions and prognosis. The absence of a known primary tumor complicates management, often leading to palliative care considerations aimed at symptom relief and quality of life improvement. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies, depending on the characteristics of the metastatic disease. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of care provided to patients with advanced malignancies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer can be challenging.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the metastatic nature of the disease.
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary neoplasms requires careful review.
  • Palliative care considerations may not always be documented.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site.
  • Failure to document staging information.
  • Misclassification of primary versus secondary neoplasms.
  • Lack of clarity in treatment intent (curative vs. palliative).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the primary cancer, staging information, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and a known history of cancer.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the metastatic nature is clearly documented to avoid misclassification.

Palliative Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of symptoms and goals of care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with advanced cancer requiring symptom management.

Billing Considerations

Focus on quality of life and symptom relief documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C78.30 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, C78
  • 30 should be used when the metastatic site is confirmed but the primary site is unknown
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis of metastatic disease and that no specific respiratory organ is identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C78.30 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Office visit, established patient, moderate complexity

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with metastatic disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology practices should ensure comprehensive documentation of cancer history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C78.30 provides a clear designation for secondary malignancies when the primary site is unknown, facilitating better patient management and care planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C78.30 provides a clear designation for secondary malignancies when the primary site is unknown, facilitating better patient management and care planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C78.30 provides a clear designation for secondary malignancies when the primary site is unknown, facilitating better patient management and care planning.

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 I document to support the use of C78.30?

Document the patient's cancer history, any imaging or biopsy results confirming metastasis, and the absence of a known primary site. Ensure that the metastatic nature of the disease is clearly stated in the medical record.