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C71.9
ICD-10-CM
Glioblastoma

Find comprehensive information on Glioblastoma diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (C71.0, C71.9), clinical documentation requirements, treatment options, and prognosis. This resource provides healthcare professionals with key insights into Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), brain cancer staging, tumor grading, and the latest research advancements for improved patient care and accurate medical coding. Learn about relevant healthcare terminology related to Glioblastoma, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, biopsy procedures, and pathology reports.

Also known as

Glioblastoma Multiforme
GBM

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Aggressive, malignant brain tumor arising from glial cells.
  • Clinical Signs : Headaches, seizures, cognitive decline, nausea, vomiting, vision changes.
  • Common Settings : Neuro-oncology clinics, neurosurgery departments, radiation oncology centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C71.9 Coding
C71.0-C71.9

Malignant neoplasm of brain

Cancers originating in brain tissue, including glioblastoma.

C70-C72

Malignant neoplasms of meninges

Covers cancers affecting membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Z00-Z99

Factors influencing health status

Includes codes for follow-up exams related to glioblastoma treatment.

G93.40-G93.49

Other disorders of brain

May be used to capture specific complications related to glioblastoma.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the diagnosis Glioblastoma?

  • Yes

    Is it NOS?

  • No

    Do NOT code as Glioblastoma. Review diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Aggressive brain cancer.
Diffuse astrocytoma
Oligodendroglioma

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Glioblastoma diagnosis confirmation (ICD-10 C71.9)
  • WHO grade IV documented pathology report
  • Tumor location, size, laterality specified
  • Imaging evidence description (MRI/CT)
  • Treatment plan documented (surgery, chemo, radiation)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Histology Coding Errors

    Miscoding glioblastoma subtypes (e.g., giant cell, gliosarcoma) impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. Crucial for CDI review.

  • Grade/Laterality Mismatch

    Incorrect coding of grade (IV) or laterality (e.g., overlapping lesion) can lead to claim denials. Requires careful documentation.

  • Treatment Miscoding

    Inaccurate coding for surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy impacts quality metrics and payment. CDI must query for specifics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code GBM precisely using ICD-10-CM C71.9, ensuring proper reimbursement.
  • Document neuroimaging, pathology, & molecular markers for accurate GBM diagnosis.
  • Implement standardized GBM treatment protocols for compliant care delivery.
  • Regularly audit GBM documentation for CDI, optimizing quality & coding accuracy.
  • Timely follow-up & care coordination crucial for GBM patients, improving outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm contrast-enhanced MRI brain scan documentation
  • Verify histopathology report consistent with Glioblastoma diagnosis ICD-10 C71.9
  • Check for neurological exam findings supporting diagnosis documentation
  • Review documented patient symptoms aligning with Glioblastoma presentation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Glioblastoma reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (C71.0-C71.9) and proper CPT coding for surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Impacts: higher case mix index, improved revenue cycle.
  • Quality metrics for Glioblastoma include patient survival time, functional status, and symptom management. Accurate documentation and coding are crucial for performance reporting.
  • Timely and accurate billing, coding, and documentation for Glioblastoma contribute to appropriate MS-DRG assignment and accurate hospital quality reporting data.
  • Optimize Glioblastoma reimbursement and quality reporting through clinical documentation improvement programs focused on specificity and completeness.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code C71.9 for unspecified glioblastoma
  • Document laterality (right/left/bilateral)
  • Specify if recurrent GBM (code C71.9)
  • Use ICD-10-CM codes for GBM diagnosis
  • Check WHO grade in documentation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).  Symptoms include persistent headaches, new-onset seizures, cognitive decline, focal neurological deficits (e.g., hemiparesis, aphasia), and personality changes.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with contrast reveals a heterogeneously enhancing lesion with central necrosis,  surrounding edema, and evidence of infiltration into adjacent brain parenchyma.  The presumptive diagnosis of glioblastoma, WHO grade IV, is supported by the clinical presentation and radiographic findings.  Differential diagnoses include anaplastic astrocytoma, brain metastasis, and cerebral abscess.  A neurosurgical consultation has been obtained for tissue biopsy and potential resection.  Molecular testing, including IDH mutation status and MGMT promoter methylation analysis, will be performed on the obtained tissue sample to further characterize the tumor and guide treatment decisions.  Treatment plan includes discussion of maximal safe resection followed by concurrent chemoradiation with temozolomide, according to established guidelines.  Patient and family have been counseled regarding prognosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.  Referral to oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care services will be made.  Follow-up MRI will be scheduled to assess treatment response.  ICD-10 code C71.9, Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified, is provisionally assigned pending histopathological confirmation.
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