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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.63

C79.63

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bilateral ovaries

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.63 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of bilateral ovaries.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.63 refers to the presence of metastatic cancer in both ovaries, originating from a primary malignancy located elsewhere in the body. This condition is characterized by the spread of cancerous cells to the ovaries, which can occur from various primary sites, including breast, colon, or gastrointestinal cancers. The diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of the ovaries often indicates advanced disease and may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in menstrual patterns. Staging of the disease is crucial, as it helps determine the extent of metastasis and guides treatment options. In many cases, the primary tumor may remain unknown at the time of diagnosis, necessitating thorough investigation to identify the source. Palliative care considerations are essential for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients, as treatment may focus on alleviating discomfort rather than curative intent.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer can be challenging.
  • Need for accurate staging to guide treatment decisions.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate metastatic disease.
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary ovarian tumors.

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal symptoms and known history of malignancy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the primary cancer site and staging.

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Gynecological examinations, imaging results, and surgical reports are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained ovarian masses and a history of cancer.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating between primary ovarian cancer and metastatic disease is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.63 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C79
  • 63 should be used when there is clear documentation of metastatic disease to the ovaries from a known or unknown primary site
  • Coders must ensure that the primary malignancy is coded separately if identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.63 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy of the ovarian mass is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must indicate the presence of metastatic cells.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists and pathologists must collaborate for accurate diagnosis.

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, including C79.63, which provides better data for tracking cancer prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, including C79.63, which provides better data for tracking cancer prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, including C79.63, which provides better data for tracking cancer prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 C79.63?

Coding C79.63 accurately reflects the presence of metastatic disease in the ovaries, which is crucial for treatment planning and understanding the patient's prognosis.