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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.49

C79.49

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other parts of nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of other parts of nervous system.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.49 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to parts of the nervous system other than the brain and spinal cord. This includes metastases to peripheral nerves, cranial nerves, and other nervous system structures. Metastatic disease in the nervous system can arise from various primary cancers, including lung, breast, and melanoma, among others. The diagnosis often occurs when patients present with neurological symptoms such as pain, weakness, sensory changes, or seizures. Staging of metastatic disease is crucial, as it influences treatment decisions and prognosis. The unknown primary tumor is a common scenario in these cases, where the origin of the cancer cannot be identified despite extensive evaluation. Palliative care considerations are essential, focusing on symptom management and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced disease. Treatment may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or supportive care, depending on the extent of the disease and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer when unknown
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary tumors in the nervous system
  • Staging complexities due to varying metastatic patterns
  • Documentation requirements for palliative care considerations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site
  • Failure to document the extent of metastasis
  • Misclassification of primary versus secondary tumors
  • Lack of clarity in palliative care documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the primary cancer, treatment history, and current symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known primary cancers presenting with neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of metastatic sites.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and symptomatology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with new neurological deficits or unexplained symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document the neurological impact of the metastatic disease clearly.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.49 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C79
  • 49 should be used when there is clear documentation of secondary malignancy in the nervous system
  • It is essential to ensure that the primary site is either documented or coded appropriately if known

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.49 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where the tumor is primary to the nervous system

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

77427CPT Code

Radiation treatment delivery

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients receiving radiation therapy for metastatic lesions in the nervous system.

Documentation Requirements

Document the treatment plan, dosage, and response to therapy.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology specialists should ensure accurate coding based on treatment intent.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. C79.49 provides a clear distinction for secondary malignancies in the nervous system, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C79.49 provides a clear distinction for secondary malignancies in the nervous system, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C79.49 provides a clear distinction for secondary malignancies in the nervous system, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 C79.49?

Coding C79.49 accurately reflects the presence of metastatic disease in the nervous system, which is crucial for treatment planning, prognosis, and resource allocation in patient care.