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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC82.51

C82.51

Billable

Diffuse follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C82.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of diffuse follicle center lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Diffuse follicle center lymphoma (DFCL) is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the proliferation of neoplastic B-cells within the follicle centers of lymphoid tissue. This specific code pertains to cases where the lymphoma is primarily located in the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck. Clinically, patients may present with painless lymphadenopathy in these regions, and the disease can be associated with systemic symptoms. DFCL is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging studies, such as CT scans, and histopathological examination of lymph node biopsies. The prognosis and treatment options depend on various factors, including the stage of the disease, presence of B-symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss), and overall patient health. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy, tailored to the individual patient's needs and disease characteristics.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of lymphomas
  • Need for precise staging information
  • Documentation of B-symptoms
  • Variability in treatment protocols

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lymph node involvement
  • Failure to document B-symptoms
  • Misclassification of lymphoma subtype
  • Lack of staging information

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology/Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on lymph node involvement, staging, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lymphadenopathy, undergoing chemotherapy, or receiving follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of any B-symptoms to support coding.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Histopathological reports confirming diagnosis and subtype of lymphoma.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Biopsy specimens from lymph nodes being analyzed for lymphoma classification.

Billing Considerations

Clear documentation of findings is crucial for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C82.51 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, staging, and any associated symptoms
  • Include specific details about the lymph node involvement and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C82.51 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of lymph node biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis of diffuse follicle center lymphoma.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report detailing the findings and diagnosis.

Specialty Considerations

Pathologists must ensure accurate reporting of lymphoma subtype.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lymphomas, including diffuse follicle center lymphoma, which aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lymphomas, including diffuse follicle center lymphoma, which aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lymphomas, including diffuse follicle center lymphoma, which aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Lymphoma

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Lymphoma

Frequently Asked Questions

What are B-symptoms and why are they important?

B-symptoms refer to systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss that can indicate a more aggressive disease course. Documenting these symptoms is crucial for accurate staging and treatment planning.