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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC17.8

C17.8

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of small intestine

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C17.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of small intestine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C17.8 refers to malignant neoplasms that arise from overlapping sites within the small intestine, which includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. These tumors can present as adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, or neuroendocrine tumors, among others. The overlapping site designation indicates that the tumor cannot be precisely classified into a single segment of the small intestine due to its location or extent of involvement. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms may vary widely and can include abdominal pain, weight loss, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnostic challenges arise from the non-specific nature of these symptoms and the potential for misdiagnosis as benign conditions. Imaging studies, endoscopy, and biopsy are critical for accurate diagnosis, but the rarity of these tumors can lead to delays in detection. The prognosis often depends on the tumor type, stage at diagnosis, and response to treatment, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of small intestine malignancies leading to potential misdiagnosis.
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor location and type.
  • Variability in clinical presentation complicating coding.
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses requiring careful differentiation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and location.
  • Failure to specify overlapping sites in the medical record.
  • Misclassification of tumor type leading to incorrect coding.
  • Lack of clarity in pathology reports.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of small intestine tumors, staging of malignancies.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of tumor characteristics and treatment response.

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Endoscopy reports, biopsy results, and clinical notes detailing symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms, performing biopsies for suspected malignancies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of findings during procedures is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C17.8 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, C17
  • 8 should be used when the malignancy cannot be classified to a more specific site within the small intestine
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code, particularly in cases where the tumor's exact location is ambiguous

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C17.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

44120CPT Code

Small intestine resection

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for malignant neoplasm.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists and surgeons must coordinate documentation to ensure accurate coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of malignancies, including those of overlapping sites. This specificity aids in better tracking of cancer incidence and treatment outcomes, although it also requires coders to have a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in these diagnoses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of malignancies, including those of overlapping sites. This specificity aids in better tracking of cancer incidence and treatment outcomes, although it also requires coders to have a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in these diagnoses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 are the common symptoms of malignant neoplasms of the small intestine?

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. However, symptoms can be non-specific and may overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions.