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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.52

C79.52

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone marrow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.52 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of bone marrow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.52 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the bone marrow from a primary cancer site. This condition is characterized by the infiltration of malignant cells into the bone marrow, which can disrupt normal hematopoiesis and lead to various complications, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. The most common primary cancers that metastasize to the bone marrow include breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and multiple myeloma. Patients may present with symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, and signs of systemic illness. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, bone marrow biopsy, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of malignant cells. Staging of the disease is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment options, as well as for palliative care considerations, which may focus on symptom management and quality of life rather than curative intent. Understanding the underlying primary malignancy is essential for comprehensive care and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the unknown primary site of cancer
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary malignancies
  • Staging complexities due to multiple metastatic sites
  • Palliative care considerations that may affect coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site
  • Failure to document staging information
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary malignancies
  • Lack of clarity in treatment intent (curative vs. palliative)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known primary cancers presenting with new bone pain or hematologic abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of treatment intent, especially in palliative care settings.

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Bone marrow biopsy results, complete blood count (CBC) findings, and treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained cytopenias or abnormal blood counts in the context of known malignancies.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the impact of bone marrow infiltration on blood cell production and related complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.52 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C79
  • 52 should be used when there is clear documentation of a secondary malignant neoplasm in the bone marrow
  • It is essential to include information about the primary malignancy and any relevant staging details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.52 When
  • Exclusions apply if the bone marrow involvement is due to a primary hematologic malignancy

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to monitor blood counts in patients with secondary malignancies affecting the bone marrow.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC, including symptoms and history of malignancy.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology and hematology specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of the patient's cancer history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C79.52 provides a clear distinction for metastatic disease in the bone marrow, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C79.52 provides a clear distinction for metastatic disease in the bone marrow, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C79.52 provides a clear distinction for metastatic disease in the bone marrow, 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 C79.52?

Coding C79.52 accurately reflects the presence of metastatic disease in the bone marrow, which is crucial for treatment planning, prognosis, and appropriate reimbursement.