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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.00

C79.00

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified kidney and renal pelvis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified kidney and renal pelvis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.00 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the kidney and renal pelvis from an unknown primary site. This condition indicates that cancer cells from another part of the body have spread to the kidneys, which can occur in various malignancies, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. The kidneys may not exhibit specific symptoms until the disease is advanced, making early detection challenging. Patients may present with nonspecific symptoms such as hematuria, flank pain, or renal dysfunction. Staging of metastatic disease is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis, often utilizing imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of metastasis. Palliative care considerations are essential, focusing on symptom management and quality of life, especially in advanced stages where curative treatment may not be feasible. Understanding the patient's overall health status and preferences is vital in guiding treatment decisions and supportive care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer can be challenging.
  • Need for accurate staging of metastatic disease.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the secondary nature of the neoplasm.
  • Differentiating between primary renal tumors and secondary tumors.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site.
  • Failure to document the metastatic nature of the neoplasm.
  • Misclassification of primary versus secondary tumors.
  • Lack of staging information in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the primary cancer, staging information, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known malignancies presenting with renal symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of metastasis and any treatments administered.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Urological evaluations, imaging results, and renal function tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with renal masses or unexplained renal symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Differentiate between primary renal tumors and secondary involvement.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.00 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C79
  • 00 should be used when the primary site of the malignancy is unknown, and the documentation supports a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm in the kidney or renal pelvis
  • It is essential to ensure that the medical record reflects the metastatic nature of the disease

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy confirms metastatic disease in the kidney.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must be included.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology and pathology must coordinate documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.00 provides a clear designation for secondary renal neoplasms, facilitating better tracking and management of cancer care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.00 provides a clear designation for secondary renal neoplasms, facilitating better tracking and management of cancer care.

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 is the significance of coding C79.00?

C79.00 is crucial for accurately representing secondary malignancies in the kidney, which impacts treatment decisions and patient management. Proper coding ensures that patients receive appropriate care and that healthcare providers are reimbursed correctly.