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D12.6
ICD-10-CM
Adenomatous Polyp of Colon

Understanding Adenomatous Polyp of Colon (Colonic Adenoma, Colon Adenomatous Polyp) is crucial for accurate healthcare documentation and medical coding. This page provides information on diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and relevant medical coding terms for Adenomatous Polyps of the Colon, supporting healthcare professionals in proper clinical documentation and coding practices. Learn more about the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Adenomatous Polyps of the Colon for improved patient care and accurate medical records.

Also known as

Colonic Adenoma
Colon Adenomatous Polyp

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Benign growth in the colon lining, can become cancerous.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic, may cause bleeding, changes in bowel habits.
  • Common Settings : Detected during colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC D12.6 Coding
D12.0-D12.9

Benign neoplasm of colon

Benign (non-cancerous) growths in the colon.

K63.5

Polyp of colon

Abnormal tissue growths, often benign, projecting from the colon lining.

Z86.010

Personal history of colonic polyps

Indicates a past diagnosis of polyps in the colon.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the polyp specified as neoplastic?

  • Yes

    Is the polyp sessile?

  • No, Non-neoplastic

    Consider K63.5 if hyperplastic, or other appropriate code based on further documentation

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Benign colon growth, can become cancerous.
Cancerous colon growth, often arises from adenomas.
Non-neoplastic colon polyp, typically serrated.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document polyp size, location, and morphology.
  • Describe endoscopic findings (e.g., sessile, pedunculated).
  • Include histology report confirming adenomatous polyp.
  • Specify if complete removal achieved (e.g., polypectomy).
  • Code using ICD-10-CM M82.0 and appropriate SNOMED CT.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Polyp Size Miscoding

    Lack of size specification (e.g., <1cm vs >1cm) impacts surveillance guidelines and coding accuracy (ICD-10-CM K63.5 vs specific codes).

  • Histology Documentation

    Insufficient histology description (e.g., tubular, villous) can lead to incorrect coding and affect treatment planning (ICD-10-CM D12.6).

  • Number of Polyps

    Unclear documentation of polyp count can cause coding errors and affect surveillance frequency (ICD-10-CM D12.7 for multiple polyps).

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Complete colonoscopy exam with polypectomy for accurate diagnosis coding ICD-10-CM K63.5
  • Document polyp size, location, histology for proper adenoma classification and CDI
  • Adhere to recommended surveillance guidelines for colonoscopy follow-up to ensure compliance
  • Thorough documentation supports medical necessity for surgical removal and reduces compliance risk
  • Timely pathology reporting crucial for staging and treatment planning improving healthcare outcomes

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm polyp location in colon via colonoscopy documentation. ICD-10: K63.5
  • Verify adenoma histology report. SNOMED CT: 399449004
  • Assess polyp size, number, and morphology for risk stratification. CPT: 45380
  • Document dysplasia grade (low/high) in pathology. Patient safety: adenoma surveillance

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Adenomatous Polyp of Colon (A): Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for colonoscopy and polypectomy procedures.
  • Colonic Adenoma/Colon Adenomatous Polyp diagnosis affects quality metrics related to colon cancer screening rates.
  • Accurate coding of Adenomatous Polyp (A) is crucial for appropriate hospital reporting and resource allocation.
  • Medical billing for Adenomatous Polyp of Colon (A) requires correct ICD-10 codes to maximize reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective surveillance guidelines for adenomatous polyps of the colon following polypectomy, considering size, histology, and number of polyps?

A: Surveillance guidelines for adenomatous polyps of the colon post-polypectomy are risk-stratified based on several factors, including size, histology, and number of polyps detected. For patients with one or two small (<1 cm) tubular adenomas with low-grade dysplasia, a repeat colonoscopy is generally recommended in 5-10 years. However, for patients with three to ten adenomas, high-grade dysplasia, villous features, or any adenoma ≥1 cm, surveillance colonoscopy is often advised in 3 years. In cases of more than ten adenomas, a shorter interval, even within one year, or further investigation for potential underlying syndromes, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), may be necessary. These recommendations are based on guidelines from reputable organizations such as the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and the American College of Gastroenterology. Consider implementing a risk-stratified approach to post-polypectomy surveillance in your practice to ensure appropriate follow-up for each individual patient. Explore how integrating electronic health record reminders can facilitate timely colonoscopy referrals.

Q: How can I differentiate between a hyperplastic polyp and an adenomatous polyp of the colon during colonoscopy, and what are the key histological characteristics that distinguish them?

A: Differentiating between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps during colonoscopy can be challenging, but certain visual cues can be helpful. Hyperplastic polyps typically appear sessile and smooth, often with a slightly paler color than the surrounding mucosa. Adenomatous polyps, on the other hand, can exhibit a more varied morphology, ranging from sessile to pedunculated and may have a more reddish or velvety appearance. Definitive diagnosis, however, relies on histopathological examination. Hyperplastic polyps demonstrate serrated architecture without significant cytological dysplasia, confined to the upper portion of the crypt. Adenomatous polyps, conversely, show nuclear stratification, hyperchromasia, and architectural abnormalities extending to the base of the crypt, indicative of neoplastic potential. Accurate differentiation is crucial as adenomatous polyps carry a risk of malignant transformation, while hyperplastic polyps, especially small (<1 cm) and located in the distal colon and rectum, are generally considered low risk. Learn more about advanced endoscopic imaging techniques, such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) and chromoendoscopy, that can aid in differentiating polyp types during colonoscopy.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code D12.6 for adenomatous colon polyp
  • Document polyp size and location
  • Consider K63.5 if inflamed
  • Rule out malignancy (C18-C20)
  • Check for family history (Z83.7)

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with concerns regarding colon polyps, prompting evaluation for adenomatous polyp of colon (also known as colonic adenoma or colon adenomatous polyp).  Symptoms reported include [insert patient-specific symptoms, e.g., rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, or asymptomatic screening finding].  Past medical history is significant for [list relevant medical history, e.g., family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, previous colonoscopies].  Physical examination revealed [document relevant findings, e.g., normal abdominal examination, or palpable abdominal mass].  A colonoscopy was performed, revealing [describe polyp characteristics, e.g., a [size] cm sessile/pedunculated polyp in the [location] colon].  The polyp was removed via [polypectomy technique, e.g., snare polypectomy, cold forceps polypectomy] and sent for histopathological analysis.  Pathology report confirms the diagnosis of adenomatous polyp of the colon, specifying the subtype as [e.g., tubular, tubulovillous, villous] and noting [mention high-risk features if present, e.g., high-grade dysplasia, villous component].  Assessment includes adenomatous polyp of colon, ICD-10 code K63.5.  Plan includes surveillance colonoscopy in [ timeframe based on guidelines] and patient education regarding colon cancer screening guidelines, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors for colon cancer.  The patient was advised on the importance of follow-up and potential complications, including recurrence and malignant transformation.  Further management will be based on the final pathology report and clinical guidelines for colon polyp surveillance.
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