Chemotherapy ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are used for Chemotherapy

ICD-10 codes, which stand for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, are utilized to classify and code medical conditions, diseases, and procedures for statistical and billing purposes. Specific ICD-10 codes are assigned for chemotherapy to ensure that the treated medical condition is accurately represented.

Here are the commonly used chemotherapy ICD-10 codes:

• C16.9 - Malignant neoplasm of the stomach, unspecified: This code is used when a patient undergoes chemotherapy for stomach cancer. Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, often requires chemotherapy as part of the treatment plan.
• C18.9 - Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified: Patients with colon cancer may receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment. This code is used when the location within the colon is not specified.
• C34.90 - Malignant neoplasm of bronchus or lung, unspecified: Lung cancer is a common target for chemotherapy. This code is used when the specific location within the lungs is not identified.
• C50.912 - Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of the right female breast: Breast cancer is often treated with chemotherapy. This code is used when the specific site in the right breast is not specified.
• C61 - Malignant neoplasm of the prostate: Prostate cancer may be managed with chemotherapy. This code is applied when a patient is receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer.
• C67.9 - Malignant neoplasm of bladder, unspecified: Chemotherapy may be part of the treatment plan for bladder cancer. This code is used when the exact location within the bladder is not specified.
• C73 - Malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland: Thyroid cancer may require chemotherapy as part of the treatment. This code is applied when a patient undergoes chemotherapy for thyroid gland malignancy.
• C82.00 - Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, unspecified site: Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for various types of lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma. This code is used when the specific site is not specified.
• C91.10 - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell type not achieving remission: Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia may undergo chemotherapy when remission is not achieved. This code is used in such cases.
• C78.00 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung, unspecified: If cancer has metastasized to the lungs from another primary site, chemotherapy for the lung metastasis is represented by this code.

These ICD-10 codes are crucial in accurately documenting and billing for chemotherapy treatments, ensuring proper reimbursement, and contributing to comprehensive healthcare data analysis.

Which Chemotherapy ICD Codes are billable

Whether a specific ICD-10 code for chemotherapy can be billed depends on various factors, such as the policies of the payer, the patient's insurance coverage, and the particular circumstances of the medical treatment. 

However, most ICD-10 codes associated with chemotherapy are generally billable when the treatment is medically necessary and meets the payer's criteria.

Here's a breakdown of the commonly used chemotherapy-related ICD-10 codes mentioned earlier:

• C16.9 - Malignant neoplasm of the stomach, unspecified: Yes
• C18.9 - Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified: Yes
• C34.90 - Malignant neoplasm of bronchus or lung, unspecified: Yes
• C50.912 - Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of the right female breast: Yes
• C61 - Malignant neoplasm of the prostate: Yes
• C67.9 - Malignant neoplasm of bladder, unspecified: Yes
• C73 - Malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland: Yes
• C82.00 - Follicular lymphoma, unspecified, unspecified site: Yes
• C91.10 - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell type not having achieved remission: Yes
• C78.00 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung, unspecified: Yes

Generally, if a patient receives chemotherapy for a documented and billable condition, and the services meet the criteria outlined by the payer, the associated ICD-10 code is billable. 

Healthcare providers must adhere to the specific coding guidelines and requirements the payer sets to ensure accurate reimbursement for the services rendered. 

Additionally, updates or changes in coding and billing practices may occur, so healthcare providers should stay informed about the latest guidelines from relevant authorities and payers.

Clinical information

• The patient has been diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm, specifying the affected organ or tissue.
• The diagnosis is established through thorough clinical examinations, imaging studies, and biopsy results.
• Chemotherapy is a vital component of the patient's treatment plan.
• The specific chemotherapy regimen is determined based on the type and stage of cancer and the patient's overall health.
• Chemotherapy drugs are administered through various routes, such as intravenous (IV), oral, or intramuscular, depending on the drug and treatment protocol.
• The frequency and duration of chemotherapy sessions are outlined in the treatment plan.
• Regular monitoring of the patient's response to chemotherapy is conducted through clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
• Adjustments to the treatment plan may be made based on the patient's tolerance and the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
• Potential side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea, fatigue, and hair loss, are actively managed to improve the patient's quality of life during treatment.
• Supportive care measures, such as antiemetic medications and nutritional support, are integrated into the overall care plan.
• Post-chemotherapy, the patient undergoes a follow-up schedule to monitor and assess residual disease or recurrence.
• Imaging studies and laboratory tests detect any signs of disease progression.
• The patient is under the care of a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, nurses, radiologists, and support staff.
• Regular communication and collaboration among team members ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
• The patient and their caregivers receive education about chemotherapy, potential side effects, and self-care measures.
• Clear communication is maintained to address any questions or concerns throughout the treatment journey.
• Emotional and psychological support is provided to the patient and their family through counseling services, support groups, and resources to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
• Holistic care addresses the physical and emotional aspects of the patient's well-being.

Synonyms include

• Antineoplastic therapy
• Cytotoxic therapy
• Systemic therapy
• Cancer pharmacotherapy
• Oncologic drug therapy