CCO Admin asked:
If cancer is unspecified.... ex. It doesnt mention if cancer is malignant or benign... is there a default? This question is for CPC exam purposes.
Thank you ??
Answer:
### The answer is in the guidelines.
Under the Neoplasm General Guidelines; it states; "To properly code a neoplasm it is necessary to determine from the record if the neoplasm is benign; in-situ; malignant; or of uncertain histologic behavior." In other words; there must be physician documentation of the type of tumor in the record. A diagnosis of uncertain histologic behavior is a legitimate diagnosis. It means that the lesion is currently benign; but could become malignant over time. This diagnosis; uncertain behavior; is not to be confused with unspecified in the neoplasm table.
Guideline I.A.9.b. states; "Codes titled
If cancer is unspecified.... ex. It doesnt mention if cancer is malignant or benign... is there a default? This question is for CPC exam purposes.
Thank you ??
Answer:
### The answer is in the guidelines.
Under the Neoplasm General Guidelines; it states; "To properly code a neoplasm it is necessary to determine from the record if the neoplasm is benign; in-situ; malignant; or of uncertain histologic behavior." In other words; there must be physician documentation of the type of tumor in the record. A diagnosis of uncertain histologic behavior is a legitimate diagnosis. It means that the lesion is currently benign; but could become malignant over time. This diagnosis; uncertain behavior; is not to be confused with unspecified in the neoplasm table.
Guideline I.A.9.b. states; "Codes titled
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