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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN63.3

N63.3

Billable

Unspecified lump in axillary tail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N63.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified lump in axillary tail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N63.3 refers to an unspecified lump located in the axillary tail of the breast, which is an area extending from the breast tissue into the axilla (armpit). This code is often used when a palpable mass is detected during a clinical examination, but further diagnostic imaging or histological evaluation has not yet been performed to determine the nature of the lump. The axillary tail is a common site for benign breast diseases, including fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, and lipomas. It is also important to consider the potential for malignancy, particularly in patients with risk factors such as family history or previous breast cancer. The presence of a lump in this area may be associated with other breast conditions, including mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue, or breast hypertrophy, characterized by excessive breast tissue growth. Nipple discharge may also accompany breast lumps, necessitating thorough evaluation. Imaging studies, such as mammography or ultrasound, are critical in assessing the characteristics of the lump and guiding further management. Accurate coding for N63.3 requires careful documentation of the clinical findings and any imaging results to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of breast lumps
  • Need for differential diagnosis to rule out malignancy
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other breast conditions
  • Documentation requirements for imaging and clinical findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of benign vs. malignant lumps
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for diagnosed conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Breast Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the examination findings, imaging studies, and any biopsies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of palpable breast lumps, management of benign breast disease, and follow-up of patients with previous breast conditions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all imaging and pathology reports are included in the patient's record to support the diagnosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing the characteristics of the lump, including size, shape, and any associated findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Performing mammograms or ultrasounds for further evaluation of breast lumps.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should provide clear recommendations for follow-up based on imaging findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N63.3 When
  • According to official coding guidelines, N63
  • 3 should be used when a lump is palpated in the axillary tail without a definitive diagnosis
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code, including any imaging studies or clinical assessments performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N63.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

77067CPT Code

Breast ultrasound

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate a lump in the axillary tail.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Radiologists should ensure clear communication of findings to referring providers.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of breast conditions, including the ability to capture the location of lumps more accurately. N63.3 provides a way to document unspecified lumps in the axillary tail, which can help in tracking and managing breast health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of breast conditions, including the ability to capture the location of lumps more accurately. N63.3 provides a way to document unspecified lumps in the axillary tail, which can help in tracking and managing breast health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of breast conditions, including the ability to capture the location of lumps more accurately. N63.3 provides a way to document unspecified lumps in the axillary tail, which can help in tracking and managing breast health.

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 when coding N63.3?

Document the clinical findings, any imaging studies performed, and the patient's history related to the lump. Ensure that all relevant information is included to support the diagnosis.