Glioblastoma ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that originates from glial cells. The ICD-10 coding system provides a standardized classification and diagnosis of medical conditions. Regarding glioblastoma, several specific codes are used to accurately identify and document the disease. Here are 10 commonly used ICD-10 codes for glioblastoma, along with their clinical descriptions:

C71.0 - Malignant neoplasm of frontal lobe: 

This code is used when a glioblastoma is located in the brain's frontal lobe. Glioblastomas in this region can cause symptoms such as personality changes, speech difficulties, and impaired decision-making.

C71.1 - Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe: 

This code indicates the presence of glioblastoma in the temporal lobe. Glioblastomas in this area can lead to seizures, memory problems, language difficulties, and sensory disturbances.

C71.2 - Malignant neoplasm of parietal lobe: 

This code signifies a glioblastoma in the parietal lobe. Glioblastomas in this region can result in sensory deficits, spatial awareness difficulties, and visual perception problems.

C71.3 - Malignant neoplasm of occipital lobe: 

This code is assigned when a glioblastoma is found in the occipital lobe. Tumors in this area can cause vision problems, including blurred or loss of vision, as well as difficulty with color perception.

C71.4 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebellum: 

This code is used when a glioblastoma arises in the cerebellum. Cerebellar glioblastomas often lead to balance and coordination issues, tremors, and problems with fine motor skills.

C71.5 - Malignant neoplasm of brainstem: 

This code indicates the presence of glioblastoma in the brainstem. Tumors in this area can cause difficulty with swallowing and speech, facial weakness, and problems with coordination and balance.

C71.6 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebrum, except lobes and ventricles: 

This code is used for glioblastomas in the cerebrum but not in the specific lobes or ventricles. It represents tumors that affect the larger part of the brain and can cause various symptoms depending on the exact location.

C71.7 - Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of brain: 

This code is used when a glioblastoma affects overlapping areas of the brain that cannot be precisely localized. It is used when the tumor involves multiple regions and does not fit into a specific anatomical category.

C71.8 - Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of brain and other parts of the central nervous system (CNS): 

This code is used when glioblastoma affects both the brain and other parts of the CNS, such as the spinal cord. It is used when the tumor extends beyond the brain and involves multiple areas.

C71.9 - Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified: 

This code is used when the glioblastoma is not specified, or the precise location within the brain is unknown. It is used in cases where the information available only allows for a more specific classification.

Which Glioblastoma ICD codes are Billable?

C71.0 - Malignant neoplasm of frontal lobe: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the frontal lobe. It represents a specific tumor location and is crucial for accurate billing.

C71.1 - Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the temporal lobe. It provides specific information about the tumor's location and is necessary for proper billing.

C71.2 - Malignant neoplasm of parietal lobe: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the parietal lobe. It denotes the precise location of the tumor and supports accurate billing.

C71.3 - Malignant neoplasm of occipital lobe: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the occipital lobe. It specifies the tumor's location and is essential for appropriate billing.

C71.4 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebellum: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the cerebellum. It identifies the exact site of the tumor and is necessary for billing purposes.

C71.5 - Malignant neoplasm of brainstem: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the brainstem. It indicates the tumor's specific location and is important for accurate billing.

C71.6 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebrum, except lobes and ventricles: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma in the cerebrum, excluding the lobes and ventricles. It represents the involvement of the larger part of the brain and supports appropriate billing.

C71.7 - Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of brain: 

This code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma affecting overlapping brain areas. It denotes the involvement of multiple regions and is necessary for accurate billing.

C71.8 - Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of brain and other parts of the CNS:

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma affecting both the brain and other parts of the central nervous system (CNS), such as the spinal cord. It indicates that the tumor's extended beyond the brain and supports proper billing.

C71.9 - Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified: 

Yes, this code is billable if the patient has an active glioblastoma that cannot be specified or precisely located within the brain. It represents a general diagnosis of glioblastoma and is billable when specific details are unavailable.

Clinical Information

Glioblastoma is a highly malignant form of brain tumor arising from glial cells, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Here are important clinical points to consider:

• Symptoms include headaches, seizures, cognitive decline, mood/personality changes, language difficulties, limb weakness/numbness, and vision or hearing problems.
• Diagnosis involves imaging studies (MRI or CT scans) and biopsy to confirm malignancy and visualize tumor characteristics.
• Treatment options include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to control tumor growth, relieve symptoms, and prolong survival.
• Prognosis is generally poor, with a median survival time of 12-15 months, influenced by patient age, overall health, tumor location, and treatment response.
• Clinical trials offer access to experimental therapies and seek to improve outcomes and discover more effective treatment approaches.
• Supportive care focuses on symptom management, improving quality of life, and providing psychological support to patients and their families.
• Glioblastoma has a high recurrence rate, necessitating regular follow-up visits and imaging scans to monitor for signs of tumor return.
• Ongoing research explores glioblastoma's genetic and molecular characteristics, targeted therapies, immunotherapy approaches, and personalized treatment strategies.

Synonyms Include:

• Glioblastoma multiforme
• GBM
• Grade IV astrocytoma
• Malignant glioma
• High-grade glioma
• Brain cancer
• Brain tumor
• Infiltrative glioma
• Gliosarcoma
• Diffuse astrocytoma