ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC34.80

C34.80

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of unspecified bronchus and lung

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C34.80 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of unspecified bronchus and lung.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C34.80 refers to malignant neoplasms that arise in overlapping sites of the bronchus and lung, where the specific site of origin cannot be clearly defined. This code is typically used when lung cancer is diagnosed but the precise location within the bronchial tree or lung parenchyma is ambiguous. Lung cancer is often associated with risk factors such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants. The staging of lung cancer is crucial for determining treatment options and prognosis, with the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) system being the most widely used. Molecular markers, such as EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements, play a significant role in guiding targeted therapies. Treatment algorithms may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and specific characteristics of the tumor. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to ensure that patients receive the necessary care based on their cancer's characteristics.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Ambiguity in the specific site of the neoplasm
  • Variability in staging criteria and treatment protocols
  • Need for detailed documentation of smoking history
  • Complexity of molecular marker testing and interpretation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific site of the neoplasm
  • Failure to document smoking history and risk factors
  • Lack of clarity in staging and treatment plans
  • Inconsistent use of molecular markers in treatment decisions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, staging information, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, or weight loss, and diagnosed with lung cancer.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant molecular testing results are included in the documentation to support targeted therapy coding.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pulmonary function tests and imaging studies should be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic cough and suspected lung cancer requiring further evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any history of smoking or exposure to lung irritants to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C34.80 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific site of the neoplasm cannot be determined
  • Document all relevant clinical information to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C34.80 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32551CPT Code

Thoracentesis, needle drainage of pleural effusion

Clinical Scenario

Used in patients with lung cancer presenting with pleural effusion.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Pulmonologists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lung cancers, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lung cancers, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lung cancers, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Lung Cancer

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Lung Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

When should C34.80 be used?

C34.80 should be used when a malignant neoplasm is diagnosed in overlapping sites of the bronchus and lung, and the specific site cannot be determined.