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Z92.21
ICD-10-CM
History of Chemotherapy

Find comprehensive information on documenting a history of chemotherapy in healthcare settings. This resource covers clinical documentation best practices, medical coding guidelines for chemotherapy history, including ICD-10 codes, Z codes, and SNOMED CT terms. Learn how to accurately record prior chemotherapy regimens, dates, responses, and adverse effects for improved patient care and accurate billing. Explore resources for oncologists, nurses, medical coders, and other healthcare professionals seeking guidance on documenting a patient's history of chemotherapy treatment.

Also known as

Hx of Chemotherapy
Post-Chemotherapy Status
history antineoplastic chemotherapy
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Prior treatment with anticancer drugs, impacting current health status and treatment options.
  • Clinical Signs : Vary widely depending on the specific chemotherapy regimen, can include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and neuropathy.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, hospitals, and sometimes home healthcare settings for supportive care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z92.21 Coding
Z85.1

Personal history of malignant neoplasm

Indicates a past diagnosis of cancer, now treated or in remission.

Z92.21

Personal history of chemotherapy

Identifies a patient's past experience with chemotherapy treatment.

Z51.0

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Used for encounters specifically related to receiving chemotherapy.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the encounter for the chemotherapy itself?

  • Yes

    Do NOT code Z85.1. Code the appropriate malignant neoplasm code and the appropriate chemotherapy administration code.

  • No

    Is there a current malignant neoplasm?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
History of chemotherapy
Adverse effect of chemotherapy
Neutropenia due to chemotherapy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • History of chemotherapy: Document specific chemo agent(s).
  • Chemotherapy dates: Start and end dates required.
  • Chemotherapy diagnosis: Specify cancer type treated.
  • Chemotherapy response: Document treatment effectiveness.
  • Chemotherapy adverse effects: List any side effects.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Chemotherapy

    Coding Z85.1 requires specifying the type of chemo received. Lack of detail can lead to denials and inaccurate quality data.

  • Active vs. History of

    Confusing active treatment (e.g., Z51.1) with history (Z85.1) leads to inaccurate reporting and potential billing errors.

  • Documentation Clarity

    Vague documentation makes it difficult to distinguish between history of chemo and other related conditions, impacting code selection.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document chemo type, dates, cycles, & intent (curative/palliative).
  • Specify chemo regimen name, e.g., R-CHOP, BEACOPP. Code Z85.3.
  • For late effects, link to original cancer & chemo. Code Z92.2x.
  • Query physician for clarification if chemo details are missing.
  • If chemo was refused, document reason & counseling. Code Z51.81.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm chemo agent, dates, route, & cycle via pt record
  • Document chemo type, intent (curative/palliative), response
  • Review labs for chemo-related toxicities (e.g., neutropenia)
  • Assess for long-term chemo effects (cardiotoxicity, neuropathy)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • History of Chemotherapy reimbursement hinges on accurate Z85.1 coding (ICD-10-CM) linked to primary diagnosis for maximum allowable payment. Impacts coding audits, denials.
  • Proper Z85.1 coding with current malignancy or remission status impacts quality metrics like cancer survivorship, treatment efficacy, and resource utilization.
  • Chemotherapy history coding affects hospital reporting for cancer registries, clinical trials, and population health management. Impacts data accuracy and analysis.
  • Precise Z85.1 usage with relevant diagnosis codes ensures appropriate risk adjustment for patient complexity, impacting hospital reimbursement and quality scores.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Z85.3 for Hx of chemo
  • Document chemo type/dates
  • Specify if adjuvant/neoadjuvant
  • Check for chemo-related complications
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of chemotherapy for [Primary cancer diagnosis, e.g., breast cancer,  non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia]. The patient completed a regimen of [Specific chemotherapy regimen, e.g., CHOP, R-CHOP, FOLFOX, BEACOPP] from [Start date] to [End date].  This regimen consisted of [List specific chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone].  The patient tolerated the chemotherapy [Well, moderately, poorly] and experienced [List specific side effects, e.g., neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, alopecia, mucositis, peripheral neuropathy, cardiotoxicity].  [Specify if any dose reductions or treatment delays were necessary due to side effects].  Current symptoms related to prior chemotherapy include [List ongoing symptoms, e.g., fatigue, neuropathy, cognitive impairment].  Physical exam findings relevant to prior chemotherapy are [Document relevant findings, e.g., decreased sensation in extremities, signs of cardiac dysfunction].  The patient's current performance status is [ECOG performance status, Karnofsky performance status].  Assessment includes history of chemotherapy-induced [Specific long-term complications, e.g., peripheral neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, secondary malignancy]. Plan includes continued surveillance for late effects of chemotherapy, including [Specify monitoring plan, e.g., echocardiograms, neurological exams, complete blood counts].  Patient education provided regarding management of long-term side effects and importance of follow-up care.  ICD-10 code Z85.1 (personal history of malignant neoplasm) and Z92.21 (personal history of chemotherapy] are applicable.  Medical billing codes will be determined based on the specific services provided during this encounter.
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