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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC82.21

C82.21

Billable

Follicular lymphoma grade III, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C82.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma grade iii, unspecified, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the proliferation of follicle center (germinal center) B-cells. Grade III follicular lymphoma indicates a more aggressive form of the disease, with a higher proliferation index and a greater likelihood of transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma. This specific code pertains to cases where the lymphoma is located in the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck. Patients may present with painless lymphadenopathy in these regions, and the disease can be associated with B-symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, biopsy, and histological examination to confirm the presence of follicular lymphoma and assess the grade. Treatment options may include watchful waiting, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. The prognosis varies based on the grade and stage at diagnosis, with grade III generally indicating a more aggressive disease course requiring prompt intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation between grades of follicular lymphoma
  • Need for precise documentation of lymph node involvement
  • Potential for transformation to more aggressive lymphoma
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on staging

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of B-symptoms
  • Failure to specify the grade of lymphoma
  • Misclassification of lymph node involvement
  • Lack of supporting imaging or biopsy reports

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology/Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma, treatment response evaluation, and management of relapsed disease.

Billing Considerations

Accurate staging and grading are crucial for treatment planning and prognosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports must clearly indicate the location and size of lymph nodes involved.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging for staging, follow-up scans to assess treatment response.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should be aware of the specific lymph node regions involved in follicular lymphoma.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C82.21 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for neoplasms, ensuring accurate documentation of the grade and site of the lymphoma
  • Include any relevant B
  • symptoms and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C82.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85041CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess overall health and detect blood disorders in lymphoma patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC and any relevant findings.

Specialty Considerations

Hematology specialists should ensure accurate interpretation of CBC results in the context of lymphoma.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of follicular lymphoma, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment planning. C82.21 provides a clear distinction for grade III lymphomas, which is crucial for treatment protocols and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of follicular lymphoma, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment planning. C82.21 provides a clear distinction for grade III lymphomas, which is crucial for treatment protocols and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of follicular lymphoma, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment planning. C82.21 provides a clear distinction for grade III lymphomas, which is crucial for treatment protocols and research.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common treatment options for follicular lymphoma grade III?

Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the disease and patient health. Clinical trials may also be considered.