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Z85.828
ICD-10-CM
History of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Understand the importance of accurate clinical documentation for a history of basal cell carcinoma. This resource covers key aspects of diagnosis coding, including ICD-10 codes for basal cell carcinoma, past medical history of skin cancer, and relevant healthcare terminology. Learn about proper documentation of BCC excision, recurrence, and Mohs surgery for optimal medical coding and billing. Explore resources for clinicians, healthcare professionals, and medical coders seeking information on basal cell carcinoma diagnosis documentation and coding best practices.

Also known as

Hx of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Past Basal Cell Carcinoma
history of bcc
+2 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Prior skin cancer of the basal cells, the most common type.
  • Clinical Signs : Often a pearly or waxy bump, may bleed or not heal.
  • Common Settings : Sun-exposed areas like face, ears, neck, scalp.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z85.828 Coding
Z85.820

Personal history of skin cancer

History of basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

Z85.828

Personal history of other skin cancers

Could include history of basal cell if other skin cancers also present.

Z15.89

Other prophylactic measures

May be used for follow-up after basal cell carcinoma treatment.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the basal cell carcinoma currently present?

  • Yes

    Is it in situ?

  • No

    Personal history of BCC?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Actinic Keratosis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Basal cell carcinoma diagnosis date
  • BCC site and laterality documented
  • Size of BCC lesion (in mm)
  • Pathology report confirmation
  • History of prior BCC treatment

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding Z85.828 requires laterality and specific site. Unspecified site leads to claim denials and inaccurate cancer registry data.

  • Active vs. History

    Confusing active BCC (C44.-) with history (Z85.828) impacts treatment authorization and quality metrics. CDI must clarify.

  • Rule Out BCC

    Coding a suspected BCC as confirmed history (Z85.828) before biopsy results is fraudulent. Proper diagnosis coding is crucial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document BCC site, size, histology for accurate ICD-10 coding (C44.-)
  • Specify 'history of' BCC, not 'current' for proper HCC risk adjustment
  • Record complete treatment history for accurate CDI, risk scoring
  • Use SNOMED CT for clear BCC history documentation, interoperability
  • Regular skin exams documented for compliant ongoing surveillance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm documented BCC diagnosis code (e.g., C44.-)
  • Verify location and size of previous BCC(s)
  • Check pathology report for BCC subtype
  • Review treatment history for prior BCC(s)
  • Assess patient risk factors for recurrence

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • ICD-10 Z85.828 impacts reimbursement for prior skin cancer. Accurate coding maximizes payments, avoids denials. Coding quality affects hospital quality reporting, physician profiling.
  • History of basal cell carcinoma coding (Z85.828) accuracy crucial for risk adjustment, affects HCC RAF scores. Impacts hospital value-based payments.
  • Proper Z85.828 coding ensures correct patient risk stratification. Inaccurate coding can negatively impact quality metrics and reimbursement.
  • Basal cell carcinoma history coding (Z85.828) impacts hospital and physician performance data. Accurate coding improves data integrity for quality reporting.

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 Z85.828 for BCC history
  • Document BCC location precisely
  • Specify treatment type, if any
  • Note any recurrence status
  • Check for personal/family Hx

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).  The patient reports a previous diagnosis of basal cell skin cancer, confirmed by biopsy.  The location, size, and date of the original BCC are documented in the patient's prior medical records.  The patient denies any current signs or symptoms suggestive of recurrence, such as a new or changing skin lesion, non-healing sore, or persistent redness.  Physical examination reveals a well-healed scar at the site of the previous BCC excision.  No suspicious lesions are noted.  Assessment: History of basal cell carcinoma, status post excision.  Plan:  Patient education regarding sun protection measures including the regular use of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, protective clothing, and avoidance of prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.  Skin self-examination techniques were reviewed with the patient.  Continued surveillance for recurrence is recommended, including annual skin examinations.  The patient understands the importance of early detection and prompt medical evaluation of any new or changing skin lesions.  ICD-10 code Z85.820 (Personal history of malignant neoplasm of skin) is applicable.  This encounter focuses on preventative care and surveillance for skin cancer.
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