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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN63.12

N63.12

Billable

Unspecified lump in the right breast, upper inner quadrant

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N63.12 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified lump in the right breast, upper inner quadrant.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N63.12 refers to an unspecified lump located in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast. This code is used when a patient presents with a palpable mass that has not been definitively diagnosed as benign or malignant. The lump may arise from various benign breast diseases, including fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, or other benign tumors. It is crucial to differentiate these lumps from malignant conditions, which may require further investigation. The clinical evaluation typically includes a thorough history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as mammography or ultrasound. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to ascertain the nature of the lump. The presence of nipple discharge, breast hypertrophy, or mastitis may also be relevant in the clinical context, as these conditions can coexist with breast lumps. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and diagnosis of breast lumps
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with malignant conditions requiring careful differentiation
  • Variability in imaging findings and interpretation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the nature of the lump (benign vs malignant)
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with breast lumps requiring further evaluation for malignancy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the diagnostic process and any follow-up care.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports, including mammograms and ultrasounds, with clear descriptions of findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies performed to evaluate breast lumps.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of imaging findings is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N63.12 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, N63
  • 12 should be used when the lump is not specified as benign or malignant
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any imaging or biopsy results are included in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N63.12 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

77067CPT Code

Mammography, bilateral, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

When a patient presents with a breast lump for evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Mammography report detailing findings and recommendations.

Specialty Considerations

Radiologists should ensure clear documentation of imaging findings.

19100CPT Code

Excision, breast lump

Clinical Scenario

When a biopsy is performed on a breast lump.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Surgeons should document the indication for the procedure clearly.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of breast conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning. N63.12 provides a clear designation for unspecified lumps, facilitating better tracking and management of breast health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of breast conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning. N63.12 provides a clear designation for unspecified lumps, facilitating better tracking and management of breast health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of breast conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning. N63.12 provides a clear designation for unspecified lumps, facilitating better tracking and management of breast health.

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 should I document when coding N63.12?

Document the clinical findings, imaging results, and any relevant history. Ensure that the nature of the lump is clearly described, and include any follow-up plans.

Can I use N63.12 if the lump is later diagnosed as malignant?

No, once a diagnosis of malignancy is made, you should use the appropriate malignant code instead of N63.12.