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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.0

C79.0

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of kidney and renal pelvis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of kidney and renal pelvis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.0 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the kidney and renal pelvis from a primary cancer located elsewhere in the body. This condition is characterized by the presence of cancerous cells in the renal tissues, which can arise from various primary sites, including the lungs, breast, or gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of the kidney often indicates advanced disease and may present with symptoms such as hematuria, flank pain, or renal dysfunction. Staging of metastatic renal neoplasms is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment options, typically classified using the TNM system (Tumor, Node, Metastasis). Palliative care considerations are essential, as many patients may not be candidates for curative treatment due to the extent of disease. Management often focuses on symptom relief, quality of life, and supportive care, including pain management and psychosocial support. Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of the primary cancer site, staging details, and any palliative measures undertaken.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer if unknown
  • Staging of metastatic disease
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary neoplasms
  • Documentation of palliative care measures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site
  • Failure to document staging details
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary neoplasms
  • Lack of clarity in palliative care documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with renal symptoms who have a known history of cancer.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the primary site and any treatments received.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Clinical findings from imaging studies, biopsy results, and renal function tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with renal masses and a history of metastatic cancer.

Billing Considerations

Document any interventions performed, such as nephrectomy or palliative procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C79
  • 0 should be used when there is clear documentation of a secondary malignant neoplasm in the kidney or renal pelvis
  • Coders must ensure that the primary site of cancer is documented, and any relevant staging information is included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.0 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where the kidney neoplasm is primary rather than metastatic

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm metastatic disease.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report confirming malignancy and origin.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists and pathologists must collaborate for accurate diagnosis.

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 the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.0 provides a clear distinction for metastatic disease, which is crucial for patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.0 provides a clear distinction for metastatic disease, which is crucial for patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.0 provides a clear distinction for metastatic disease, which is crucial for patient management and research.

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 importance of documenting the primary cancer site for C79.0?

Documenting the primary cancer site is crucial for accurate coding of secondary malignancies, as it impacts treatment decisions, prognosis, and reimbursement. Without clear documentation, there is a risk of misclassification and potential audit issues.