Understanding Family History of Colon Polyps (FH of Colon Polyps) is crucial for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This page provides information on Family History of Colonic Polyps, including its relevance in healthcare, risk assessment, and appropriate medical coding practices for F Family History of Colon Polyps. Learn about documenting Family History of Colon Polyps and its importance in preventative care and early detection of colonic polyps.
Also known as
Family history of colonic polyps
Personal history of family member with colon polyps.
Factors influencing health status
Includes family history of various conditions, not specific to polyps.
Polyp of colon
This code is for the actual presence of polyps, not family history.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the family history of colon polyps confirmed?
Yes
Any personal history of colon polyps?
No
Insufficient documentation for family history code. Query physician.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Family history of colon polyps. |
| Personal history of colon polyps. |
| Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). |
Coding requires specifying polyp type (e.g., adenomatous vs. hyperplastic) for accurate risk assessment and family history documentation.
Auditors may question family history diagnoses lacking supporting documentation like pathology reports or colonoscopy findings.
Missing laterality (right, left, or unspecified colon) can impact coding specificity and surveillance recommendations.
Q: How does a strong family history of colon polyps influence colonoscopy surveillance guidelines for asymptomatic patients?
A: For asymptomatic patients, a strong family history of colon polyps significantly alters colonoscopy surveillance guidelines. While average-risk individuals begin screening at 50, those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) diagnosed with colon polyps or colorectal cancer before age 60, or two first-degree relatives diagnosed at any age, should initiate colonoscopy screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than the earliest diagnosis in their family, whichever comes first. Furthermore, the frequency of subsequent colonoscopies depends on the number, size, and histology of polyps found in the affected relatives. For example, a family history of multiple adenomatous polyps or advanced adenomas (larger than 1cm, high-grade dysplasia, or villous features) might warrant more frequent surveillance, such as every 3-5 years, compared to the standard 10-year interval. Explore how specific family history details influence personalized colonoscopy recommendations to optimize patient care.
Q: What are the key genetic syndromes to consider when a patient presents with a family history of multiple colon polyps?
A: A family history of multiple colon polyps, particularly at a young age, warrants consideration of several hereditary cancer syndromes. These include Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), characterized by hundreds to thousands of adenomatous polyps and a near 100% risk of colorectal cancer if left untreated, and Attenuated FAP (AFAP), a milder form with fewer polyps and a still elevated but lower cancer risk. Other syndromes include Lynch syndrome (also known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer or HNPCC), which increases the risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers even without a strong polyp history, and MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP), associated with numerous colon polyps and an increased cancer risk. Consider implementing genetic testing for these syndromes when evaluating patients with suggestive family histories to guide management and surveillance strategies. Learn more about genetic counseling resources to support patients and their families.
Patient presents for evaluation of family history of colon polyps. The patient reports a family history of colonic polyps, specifically noting [Relationship to patient] diagnosed with [Type of polyp, if known, e.g., adenomatous polyps, hyperplastic polyps] at age [Age of diagnosis]. Patient is concerned about their personal risk of developing colon cancer given this family history. Review of systems is negative for rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Past medical history is significant for [List relevant medical history]. Surgical history includes [List relevant surgical history]. Medications include [List current medications]. Family history is positive for colon polyps as detailed above. Social history includes [Document tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise habits]. Physical examination is unremarkable. Assessment: Family history of colon polyps increases the patient's risk of developing colorectal cancer. Plan: Discussed the importance of colon cancer screening including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood testing. Recommendations for colonoscopy screening were provided based on current guidelines and patient's family history, specifically starting at age [Age recommended for screening] or [Number] years prior to the earliest age of diagnosis in the family. Patient education provided regarding colon polyp symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of adherence to screening recommendations. Patient verbalized understanding of the information provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled for [Date]. ICD-10 code: Z83.71 (Family history of malignant neoplasm of colon).