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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD21.11

D21.11

Billable

Benign neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue of right upper limb, including shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D21.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue of right upper limb, including shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D21.11 refers to a benign neoplasm located in the connective and other soft tissues of the right upper limb, which encompasses the shoulder area. These neoplasms can arise from various types of soft tissue, including adipose tissue, fibrous tissue, and vascular tissue. Common types of benign soft tissue tumors include lipomas, fibromas, and hemangiomas. Clinically, these tumors may present as painless masses that can be palpated during a physical examination. While benign, they can cause discomfort or functional impairment depending on their size and location. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and histological examination may be required for definitive diagnosis. Management often involves surgical excision, especially if the tumor is symptomatic or growing. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence, although benign neoplasms generally have a low rate of recurrence post-excision. The prognosis is typically excellent, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms following appropriate treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of benign neoplasm types that can be coded under this category
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor location and characteristics
  • Differentiation from malignant neoplasms in clinical documentation
  • Potential for multiple neoplasms in the same anatomical area

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Lack of clarity on the anatomical site of the neoplasm
  • Inconsistent coding of multiple neoplasms
  • Failure to document the treatment plan or follow-up

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports and imaging studies must be included.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with soft tissue masses requiring biopsy or excision.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear differentiation between benign and malignant neoplasms in documentation.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical excision of soft tissue tumors in the upper limb.

Billing Considerations

Document functional impairment and any associated symptoms to justify surgical intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D21.11 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D21
  • 11 should be used when the neoplasm is confirmed as benign and specifically located in the right upper limb
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the tumor's characteristics and treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D21.11 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign lesion including margins

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a benign neoplasm from the right upper limb.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the size, location, and type of lesion excised.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document functional impairment related to the lesion.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. D21.11 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. D21.11 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. D21.11 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and tracking of 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 difference between benign and malignant neoplasms?

Benign neoplasms are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize, while malignant neoplasms are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. Accurate coding requires clear documentation to differentiate between the two.