Understanding Fibroglandular Density (FGD), also known as dense breasts, is crucial for accurate mammographic density assessment. This page provides information on FGD for healthcare professionals, including clinical documentation best practices, medical coding guidelines related to mammographic density, and the importance of FGD in breast cancer risk assessment. Learn about the connection between dense breasts and breast cancer risk, and how to effectively document and code FGD for optimal patient care and accurate reporting.
Also known as
Diseases of the breast
Covers various breast conditions, including abnormalities like increased density.
Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging
Includes abnormal findings on mammograms, like dense breast tissue.
Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms
Relates to screening encounters where density might be observed.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the encounter solely for screening?
Yes
Is density specified (e.g., a, b, c, d)?
No
Is density the primary diagnosis?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Breast tissue density appears dense on mammogram. |
| Fatty breast tissue replacement seen on mammogram. |
| Scattered areas of fibroglandular tissue within fatty breast. |
Incorrect ICD-10 or BI-RADS coding for fibroglandular density, leading to inaccurate reporting and reimbursement issues.
Insufficient physician documentation of fibroglandular density hindering accurate coding and impacting risk assessment and preventative care.
Failing to link documented density with increased breast cancer risk, impacting patient management, surveillance, and coding for high-risk screening.
Q: How does fibroglandular density impact breast cancer risk assessment and screening strategies for women with dense breasts?
A: Fibroglandular density, often referred to as dense breasts on mammograms, significantly impacts breast cancer risk assessment and screening strategies. Higher density makes it harder to detect cancers on mammograms due to masking. Women with dense breasts have a 4-6 times increased risk of breast cancer compared to those with fatty breasts. This necessitates supplemental screening methods like ultrasound or MRI, especially for women with additional risk factors. Consider implementing a risk-based approach that incorporates density into personalized screening recommendations. Explore how S10.AI can help assess and manage breast density in your practice for improved patient care.
Q: What are the best practices for communicating mammographic density results to patients, including explaining the limitations and benefits of supplemental screening options?
A: Clearly communicating mammographic density results to patients is crucial, but can be challenging. Explain that dense breast tissue can obscure cancers on mammograms, but it isn't abnormal. Emphasize that increased density correlates with higher breast cancer risk. Discuss the benefits and limitations of supplemental screening, such as ultrasound and MRI, including potential false positives and costs. Tailor recommendations based on individual risk factors and patient preferences. Learn more about effective communication strategies for breast density and explore resources to facilitate informed shared decision-making with your patients. S10.AI can offer tools to support these conversations.
Patient presents for routine mammographic screening or diagnostic evaluation of breast concerns. Mammographic findings reveal increased fibroglandular density categorized as BIRADS category F, consistent with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breast tissue. This increased mammographic density, also known as dense breasts, may obscure underlying lesions and potentially reduce the sensitivity of mammography in detecting breast cancer. The patient was counseled regarding the implications of dense breast tissue, including the potential for reduced sensitivity of mammography and the increased risk of breast cancer associated with higher density. Supplemental screening modalities, such as breast ultrasound or MRI, were discussed, and risks and benefits were explained. A personalized screening plan was developed based on patient risk factors, including age, family history of breast cancer, and personal history. Recommendations for follow-up and further imaging, if indicated, were provided. ICD-10 code N60.89 (other specified disorders of breast) may be considered for billing purposes, along with appropriate CPT codes for the mammogram and any supplemental imaging performed. Patient education regarding breast self-awareness and clinical breast exam was reinforced.