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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN61.21

N61.21

Billable

Granulomatous mastitis, right breast

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N61.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis, right breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Granulomatous mastitis is a rare form of breast inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation due to the accumulation of immune cells. This condition primarily affects women of childbearing age and can be associated with pregnancy or breastfeeding. The right breast is specifically noted in this code, indicating the affected side. Symptoms may include breast pain, swelling, and the presence of a palpable mass. Patients may also experience nipple discharge, which can complicate the clinical picture. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as mammography or ultrasound, which may reveal masses or abnormal tissue changes. A biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy. Granulomatous mastitis can be challenging to manage, as it may not respond to standard antibiotic therapy and may require surgical intervention or corticosteroids. Understanding the benign nature of this condition is crucial for appropriate patient management and reassurance.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of mastitis and breast diseases
  • Need for imaging studies and potential biopsies for accurate diagnosis
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential for misdiagnosis as breast cancer

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging studies performed
  • Lack of clear differentiation from malignant conditions
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Breast Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging results, and pathology reports.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with breast lumps, pain, or discharge.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the surgical approach and any complications.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings and recommendations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging for breast masses or abnormal findings in symptomatic patients.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of imaging studies performed and correlation with clinical findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N61.21 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, including laterality
  • Include any relevant imaging or biopsy results to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N61.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

19100CPT Code

Biopsy of breast, needle core

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm granulomatous mastitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for biopsy and results.

Specialty Considerations

Breast surgeons should ensure clear documentation of the procedure and findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of granulomatous mastitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of granulomatous mastitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Radiology - Breast Imaging

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Radiology - Breast Imaging

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of granulomatous mastitis?

Common symptoms include breast pain, swelling, the presence of a lump, and nipple discharge. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms like fever.