History Of Breast Cancer ICD-10-CM Codes

Explore the importance of ICD-10 codes for a history of breast cancer, their use, billing status, clinical implications, synonyms, and FAQs.

By Ashleigh Knowles on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code
History Of Breast Cancer ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for History Of Breast Cancer 

The ICD-10 coding system, used by healthcare professionals worldwide, includes a set of codes that are used to document a history of breast cancer. Here are six commonly used codes in this category:

  1. Z85.3: Personal history of malignant neoplasm of the breast. This code is applied when a patient has had a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer in the past but is currently free of the disease. It's essential for tracking the patient's medical history and determining future risks.
  2. Z80.3: Family history of malignant neoplasm of the breast. This code is used when one or more direct relatives (such as a parent, sibling, or child) have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This information is crucial as it may impact the patient's risk assessment and screening recommendations.
  3. C50.9: Malignant neoplasm of the breast, unspecified. This code is used when the exact location of the breast cancer within the breast is not specified or known. It is often used in initial diagnoses or when detailed information is unavailable.
  4. C50.011: Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right female breast. This specific code indicates a type of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola on the right side of a female patient's chest.
  5. C50.012: Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, left female breast. Similar to C50.011, this code specifies the location of cancer on the left side of a female patient's chest, specifically in the nipple and areola.
  6. Z08: Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm. This code is used for patients for follow-up visits after their cancer treatment. It helps track the patient's ongoing care and monitor for potential disease recurrence.

ICD-10 codes are indispensable in medical documentation. They paint a precise picture of a patient's health history, present condition, and potential risks, which are pivotal in patient care, research, and billing. 

For a more in-depth grasp of these codes, an explainer video offers a detailed overview of ICD-10 coding for breast cancer. 

To delve deeper, our History Of Breast Cancer ICD Codes page provides extensive information on medical billing and coding, including comprehensive explanations of crucial ICD-10 codes. Understanding these codes can improve communication between healthcare providers and patients and ensure accurate documentation and billing.

Which History Of Breast Cancer ICD codes is Billable

  1. Z85.3 (Personal history of malignant neoplasm of the breast): Yes
  2. Z80.3 (Family history of malignant neoplasm of the breast): Yes
  3. C50.9 (Malignant neoplasm of the breast, unspecified): Yes
  4. C50.011 (Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right female breast): Yes
  5. C50.012 (Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, left female breast): Yes
  6. Z08 (Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm): Yes

All these codes are billable, meaning they can be used for claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015. They fall under the category of "Z codes" that represent reasons for encounters. A service or procedure must have a medical need and be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or condition.

Clinical Information

  • ICD-10 codes provide critical clinical information about a patient's medical history and health status. They are used to document diagnoses and track diseases.
  • Z85.3 denotes a patient's history of malignant neoplasm of the breast, indicating they've had breast cancer but are currently free of the disease.
  • Z80.3 is used when there's a family history of breast cancer. This code is crucial for risk assessment and planning preventive measures, as having a direct relative with breast cancer can increase a person's risk.
  • C50.9 is used when the exact location of breast cancer isn't specified. It's often used in initial diagnoses or when detailed information isn't available.
  • C50.011 and C50.012 specify breast cancer in the nipple and areola, with the former being on the right breast and the latter on the left. These codes provide more precise information about the cancer's location.
  • Z08 is used for patients coming in for follow-up visits after completing cancer treatment. This code helps monitor the patient's ongoing care and checks for any potential disease recurrence.
  • These codes are vital in patient care, research, and billing. They facilitate effective communication between healthcare providers and ensure accurate documentation.
  • Understanding these codes is crucial for healthcare providers as it directly impacts the accuracy of medical records, patient care, and billing procedures.

Synonyms Include

  1. Malignant Neoplasm: Cancerous Tumor, Malignancy, Carcinoma, Cancer, Malignant Growth
  2. Personal History: Past Medical History, Previous Diagnosis, Medical Background, Health History, Prior Conditions
  3. Family History: Genetic History, Hereditary Information, Ancestral Health Background, Lineage Medical History, Bloodline Health Record
  4. Nipple and Areola: Mammary Papilla and Pigmented Area, Breast Tip and Surrounding Zone, Lactiferous Duct Opening and Adjacent Region, Milk Duct Exit and Ring Area, Chest Bud and Circumferential Field.
  5. Follow-up Examination: Post-treatment Checkup, Subsequent Assessment, Review Appointment, Recurring Evaluation, Return Visit.
Electronic Health Records Software

Commonly asked questions

When to use a History Of Breast Cancer ICD code?

A history of breast cancer ICD code is used when documenting a patient's medical history, especially if the patient has had a confirmed breast cancer diagnosis. These codes are also used to denote a family history of breast cancer or for follow-up examinations after completing treatment for breast cancer.

Are History Of Breast Cancer diagnosis billable?

Yes, history of breast cancer diagnosis codes, such as Z85.3 (personal history of malignant neoplasm) and Z80.3 (family history of malignant neoplasm of the breast), are billable. They can be used for claims with a service date on or after October 1, 2015.

What are the common treatments for a History Of Breast Cancer Diagnosis Codes?

The treatments for breast cancer vary depending on the stage and type of cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Common treatments include surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy drugs. The specific ICD-10 code used will depend on the type and location of the cancer.

Join 10,000+ teams using Carepatron to be more productive

One app for all your healthcare work