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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.10

C79.10

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified urinary organs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified urinary organs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.10 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to unspecified urinary organs. This code is used when a patient has a known primary malignancy that has spread to the urinary system, but the specific site within the urinary organs is not documented. Metastatic disease in the urinary organs can arise from various primary cancers, including those of the breast, lung, prostate, and colon. The clinical presentation may include hematuria, urinary obstruction, or renal dysfunction, depending on the extent of the metastasis. Staging of metastatic disease is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis, often utilizing imaging studies and biopsies to assess the extent of spread. Palliative care considerations are essential for managing symptoms and improving quality of life, particularly in advanced stages of cancer where curative treatment is not feasible. The complexity of coding C79.10 lies in the need for precise documentation of the primary malignancy and the extent of metastasis, as well as the potential for overlapping symptoms with other urinary conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for accurate identification of the primary malignancy
  • Variability in documentation of metastatic sites
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with benign urinary conditions
  • Staging requirements for metastatic disease

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer diagnosis
  • Failure to specify the urinary organ involved
  • Misinterpretation of symptoms as benign rather than metastatic
  • Inconsistent staging documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Clear documentation of the primary malignancy, staging details, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known cancers presenting with urinary symptoms or complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and pathology reports are included in the documentation.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on urinary symptoms, imaging findings, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with urinary obstruction or hematuria due to metastatic disease.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions or procedures performed to manage symptoms.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.10 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, C79
  • 10 should be used when the primary malignancy is known, and there is evidence of metastasis to the urinary organs, but the specific organ is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the primary cancer diagnosis is coded separately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when biopsy of urinary tissue is performed to confirm metastatic disease.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must be included in the patient's medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists and urologists should ensure that biopsy results are clearly documented.

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. C79.10 provides a clear designation for secondary malignancies affecting the urinary organs, facilitating better patient management.

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. C79.10 provides a clear designation for secondary malignancies affecting the urinary organs, facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.10 provides a clear designation for secondary malignancies affecting the urinary organs, facilitating better patient management.

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 C79.10 accurately?

Accurate coding of C79.10 is crucial for proper treatment planning, resource allocation, and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for services related to metastatic disease management.