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ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN63.20

N63.20

Billable

Unspecified lump in the left breast, unspecified quadrant

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N63.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified lump in the left breast, unspecified quadrant.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code N63.20 refers to an unspecified lump located in the left breast, without specification of the quadrant. This code is often used when a patient presents with a palpable mass in the breast that has not been definitively diagnosed as benign or malignant. Common benign breast conditions associated with this code include fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, and lipomas. It is crucial to differentiate these from more serious conditions such as breast cancer. The presence of a lump may also be associated with other symptoms such as nipple discharge or changes in breast size or shape. Imaging studies, including mammography and ultrasound, are typically employed to evaluate the characteristics of the lump, assess for any associated abnormalities, and guide further management. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the clinical findings, imaging results, and any follow-up actions taken. This code is particularly relevant in outpatient settings where initial evaluations occur, and it may lead to further diagnostic procedures or referrals to specialists.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and documentation of breast lumps.
  • Need for precise imaging results to support diagnosis.
  • Differentiation between benign and malignant conditions.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other breast conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to include imaging results in the medical record.
  • Misclassification of the lump as benign without sufficient evidence.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for unresolved cases.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports and imaging studies are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with breast lumps requiring biopsy or further imaging.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the clinical decision-making process and follow-up plans.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings and recommendations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Performing mammograms or ultrasounds for evaluation of breast lumps.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding based on imaging findings and correlation with clinical notes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N63.20 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, N63
  • 20 should be used when the lump is not specified as benign or malignant
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any imaging studies are referenced
  • If the lump is later diagnosed as a specific condition, a more specific code should be used

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N63.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

77067CPT Code

Mammography, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used for screening or diagnostic evaluation of breast lumps.

Documentation Requirements

Include clinical indications and imaging results.

Specialty Considerations

Radiologists should correlate findings with clinical notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding breast conditions, improving the ability to track and manage breast health issues. N63.20 provides a framework for identifying patients with breast lumps while allowing for further diagnostic clarification.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding breast conditions, improving the ability to track and manage breast health issues. N63.20 provides a framework for identifying patients with breast lumps while allowing for further diagnostic clarification.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding breast conditions, improving the ability to track and manage breast health issues. N63.20 provides a framework for identifying patients with breast lumps while allowing for further diagnostic clarification.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Radiology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Radiology

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document when using N63.20?

Document the clinical findings, imaging results, and any follow-up plans. Ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any further evaluations.