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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC49.22

C49.22

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of left lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C49.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of left lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C49.22 refers to malignant neoplasms that arise from connective and soft tissues in the left lower limb, including the hip region. These tumors can include various types of soft tissue sarcomas, which are rare but aggressive cancers that can originate from muscle, fat, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or other connective tissues. The diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas often involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, followed by a biopsy to confirm malignancy. Grading of these tumors is crucial, as it helps determine the aggressiveness of the cancer and guides treatment decisions. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the tumor's size, location, and grade. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of treatment outcomes, as well as for research purposes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of soft tissue sarcoma types and subtypes
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Grading systems that influence treatment and prognosis
  • Multidisciplinary management requiring coordination among specialties

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and grade
  • Failure to specify laterality (left vs. right)
  • Misclassification of benign vs. malignant tumors
  • Lack of multidisciplinary treatment documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment planning for soft tissue sarcomas.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and grading are documented for appropriate coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing tumor resection and margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for tumor removal.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of resection and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C49.22 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include specific details about the tumor's location, type, and grade

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C49.22 When
  • Exclude benign tumors and ensure laterality is documented

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27401CPT Code

Excision, tumor, soft tissue of leg or ankle

Clinical Scenario

Used when a malignant soft tissue tumor is surgically excised.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the tumor's size, location, and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the surgical approach and any complications are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of soft tissue sarcomas, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of soft tissue sarcomas, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of soft tissue sarcomas, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of tumor grading in C49.22?

Tumor grading is crucial as it helps determine the aggressiveness of the cancer and informs treatment decisions. Higher-grade tumors typically require more aggressive treatment.