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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD21.3

D21.3

Billable

Benign neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue of thorax

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D21.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue of thorax.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D21.3 refers to benign neoplasms located in the connective and other soft tissues of the thoracic region. These neoplasms can arise from various types of soft tissue, including adipose tissue, fibrous tissue, and vascular tissue. Common examples include lipomas, fibromas, and hemangiomas. Clinically, these tumors may present as palpable masses in the chest wall or mediastinum, often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for unrelated conditions. While benign, these neoplasms can cause symptoms due to mass effect, such as pain, respiratory distress, or obstruction of adjacent structures. Management typically involves monitoring for changes in size or symptoms, and surgical excision may be indicated if the neoplasm is symptomatic or if there is uncertainty regarding its nature. Follow-up care is essential to ensure that the neoplasm remains stable and to monitor for any potential complications. The prognosis for patients with benign soft tissue neoplasms of the thorax is generally favorable, with low recurrence rates following complete excision.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of benign neoplasms that can be coded under this category
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor type and location
  • Differentiation from malignant neoplasms
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other thoracic conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the neoplasm
  • Misclassification as malignant due to lack of clarity in pathology reports
  • Inconsistent follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of soft tissue tumors, including surgical excision and follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding based on histological type and location.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing the size, location, and characteristics of the neoplasm.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging for incidental findings of thoracic soft tissue masses.

Billing Considerations

Clear communication of findings to referring physicians for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D21.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D21
  • 3 should be used when the neoplasm is confirmed as benign through pathology
  • It is essential to document the specific type of neoplasm and its anatomical location

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D21.3 When
  • Exclusion criteria include malignant neoplasms and conditions that do not involve connective or soft tissue

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

19120CPT Code

Excision, benign tumor, soft tissue of chest wall

Clinical Scenario

Used when a benign neoplasm is surgically excised.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and pathology results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure coordination between surgical and pathology reports for accurate coding.

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. D21.3 provides a clear distinction between benign and malignant neoplasms, which is crucial for treatment planning and patient management.

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. D21.3 provides a clear distinction between benign and malignant neoplasms, which is crucial for treatment planning and patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. D21.3 provides a clear distinction between benign and malignant neoplasms, which is crucial for treatment planning and patient management.

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 of the neoplasm's nature.