Abnormality of alphafetoprotein
ICD-10 R77.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormality of alphafetoprotein.
Abnormality of alphafetoprotein (AFP) refers to elevated or decreased levels of this glycoprotein in the serum, which is primarily produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract. In adults, abnormal AFP levels can indicate various pathological conditions, including liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, and certain types of liver cirrhosis. Elevated AFP levels are often associated with malignancies, particularly in the context of liver cancer, while decreased levels may be observed in conditions such as Down syndrome during pregnancy. The clinical significance of abnormal AFP levels necessitates further investigation, including imaging studies and possibly biopsy, to determine the underlying cause. Monitoring AFP levels can also be crucial in assessing treatment response and disease progression in patients with known malignancies. Accurate interpretation of AFP levels requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's clinical context, including history, symptoms, and associated laboratory findings.
Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and correlation of AFP levels with imaging studies.
Evaluation of patients with suspected liver tumors or germ cell tumors.
Consideration of liver function tests and imaging results is essential for accurate coding.
Acute care documentation must include rationale for AFP testing and any immediate interventions.
Acute presentations of liver failure or suspected malignancy.
Rapid assessment and documentation of clinical findings are crucial in emergency settings.
Used for monitoring patients with liver cancer or germ cell tumors.
Document the reason for the AFP test and any relevant clinical findings.
Oncology specialists may require more detailed documentation regarding the patient's cancer history.
An elevated AFP level can indicate liver cancer, germ cell tumors, or liver cirrhosis, among other conditions. It is important to correlate AFP levels with clinical findings and imaging studies for accurate diagnosis.
Yes, AFP levels are typically elevated during pregnancy. It is crucial to document the context of AFP testing in pregnant patients to avoid misclassification.
