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Z85.038
ICD-10-CM
History of Colon Carcinoma

Find comprehensive information on History of Colon Carcinoma, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 coding (C18), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for diagnosis. Learn about staging, treatment options, and follow-up care related to a past diagnosis of colon cancer. This resource offers valuable insights for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals seeking accurate and up-to-date information on History of Colon Carcinoma.

Also known as

Hx of Colon Cancer
Personal History of Colon Cancer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Prior diagnosis of colon cancer, now treated or in remission.
  • Clinical Signs : May be asymptomatic; potential for recurrence symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, change in bowel habits.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, gastroenterology offices, primary care follow-up.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z85.038 Coding
Z85.030

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colon

History of colon cancer.

Z85.0

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs

History of cancer in the digestive system.

Z80-Z99

Factors influencing health status and contact with health services

Relates to past medical history and health status.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the colon carcinoma currently present?

  • Yes

    Is it primary?

  • No

    Personal history documented?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Colon Carcinoma
Colon Adenoma
Colon Polyps

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Colon carcinoma diagnosis date
  • Confirmation method (biopsy, imaging)
  • Tumor location and size documented
  • TNM stage if applicable
  • Histological type and grade

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Stage

    Coding Z85.038 without specifying stage if known (e.g., in remission) impacts reimbursement and quality reporting.

  • Active vs. History

    Incorrectly coding active malignancy (C18.-) instead of history (Z85.038) leads to overreporting and inaccurate cancer registry data.

  • Documentation Clarity

    Vague documentation lacking details about remission status or recurrence makes accurate coding of Z85.038 difficult, affecting data integrity.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code Z85.05 for personal hx of colon cancer, not active disease.
  • Document precise anatomical location & stage of prior carcinoma.
  • Ensure complete staging data is in chart for accurate coding.
  • For recurrent colon cancer, code C18.-, not history code.
  • Query physician if documentation lacks staging or laterality.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm colon carcinoma diagnosis code (ICD-10 C18.-, Z85.0-) documented.
  • Verify pathology report supports colon carcinoma diagnosis.
  • Check staging (TNM) documented for accurate treatment plan.
  • Review family history for hereditary cancer syndromes.
  • Ensure follow-up colonoscopy scheduled per guidelines.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Colon Carcinoma History coding accuracy impacts C-section reimbursement, affecting hospital case mix index.
  • Proper Z85.0 coding (personal hx of malignant neoplasm of colon) crucial for accurate risk adjustment & quality reporting.
  • History of Colon Carcinoma diagnosis coding errors impact APR-DRG assignment and hospital reimbursement.
  • Accurate Z85.05 coding (personal hx of malignant neoplasm of rectum/rectosigmoid junction) essential for quality metrics.

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 Z85.038 for personal history
  • Document tumor site, laterality
  • Confirm stage, if applicable
  • Abstract pathology report carefully
  • Consider sequencing if documented

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of colon carcinoma, diagnosed on [Date of Diagnosis] by [Diagnostic Method, e.g., colonoscopy with biopsy].  The primary tumor was located in the [Specific Location, e.g., sigmoid colon] and was staged as [Stage, e.g., T3N1M0] according to the AJCC TNM staging system.  Histopathology revealed [Histological Type, e.g., adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated].  Initial treatment included [Treatment Modality, e.g., surgical resection with hemicolectomy] performed on [Date of Procedure].  Surgical margins were [Margin Status, e.g., negative].  Lymph node involvement was noted with [Number] out of [Number] lymph nodes positive for malignancy.  Adjuvant therapy consisted of [Adjuvant Therapy, e.g., FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen] completed on [Date of Completion].  Patient is currently under surveillance for recurrence with [Surveillance Modality, e.g., CEA levels, CT scans] performed every [Frequency, e.g., 3 months].  Current symptoms include [Current Symptoms, e.g., asymptomatic, mild abdominal discomfort, fatigue].  Physical exam findings are notable for [Physical Exam Findings, e.g., well-healed surgical scar, normal bowel sounds].  Assessment: History of colon cancer, stage [Stage], status post [Treatment Summary].  Plan: Continue surveillance per established guidelines.  Address current symptoms as needed.  Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of recurrence, importance of follow-up, and healthy lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise.  ICD-10 code: Z85.038 (Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colon).
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