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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.71

C79.71

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of right adrenal gland

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.71 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of right adrenal gland.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.71 refers to a secondary malignant neoplasm located in the right adrenal gland, indicating that the cancer has metastasized from a primary site elsewhere in the body. This condition is characterized by the presence of malignant cells in the adrenal gland, which can disrupt normal adrenal function and lead to various systemic symptoms. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions. Metastatic disease to the adrenal glands is often a sign of advanced cancer, and the primary tumor may be unknown at the time of diagnosis. Common primary sites include lung, breast, and kidney cancers. Staging of metastatic disease is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment options, which may include systemic therapies, radiation, or palliative care. Palliative care considerations are essential, as patients may experience significant symptoms related to both the cancer and its treatment, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to manage pain and improve quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer can be challenging.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the metastatic nature of the disease.
  • Staging information may be incomplete or unavailable.
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary neoplasms requires careful review.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site.
  • Failure to specify the metastatic nature of the neoplasm.
  • Incorrect coding of the adrenal gland location.
  • Lack of staging information in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known primary cancers presenting with adrenal masses.

Billing Considerations

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

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Hormonal assessment results and any functional implications of the adrenal metastasis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with adrenal insufficiency or hormonal imbalances due to metastatic disease.

Billing Considerations

Document any endocrine dysfunctions resulting from the neoplasm.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.71 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C79
  • 71 should be used when there is clear documentation of a secondary malignant neoplasm in the right adrenal gland
  • Coders must ensure that the primary site is identified when possible, and that the metastatic nature is explicitly stated in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.71 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

74160CPT Code

CT scan of abdomen and pelvis

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate adrenal masses in patients with known malignancies.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for imaging and findings related to the adrenal gland.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

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 cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.71 provides a clear designation for secondary neoplasms in the right adrenal gland, facilitating better patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.71 provides a clear designation for secondary neoplasms in the right adrenal gland, facilitating better patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.71 provides a clear designation for secondary neoplasms in the right adrenal gland, facilitating better 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 identifying the primary cancer site?

Identifying the primary cancer site is crucial for accurate staging, treatment planning, and prognosis. It also ensures proper coding and billing, as secondary neoplasms are often linked to specific primary cancers.