Understanding lymphadenopathy diagnosis, documentation, and medical coding is crucial for healthcare professionals. This resource provides information on enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, including differential diagnoses, ICD-10 codes (e.g., R59.1), SNOMED CT concepts, clinical findings, and appropriate documentation for accurate billing and coding. Learn about localized, generalized, and persistent lymphadenopathy, along with associated symptoms and diagnostic tests. Improve your clinical documentation and medical coding accuracy for lymphadenopathy.
Also known as
Enlarged lymph nodes
Covers generalized lymphadenopathy and localized lymph node enlargement.
Nonspecific lymphadenitis
Inflammation of lymph nodes, not classified elsewhere.
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes
Malignant neoplasms that have spread to lymph nodes.
Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
May be associated with lymphadenopathy in some conditions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is lymphadenopathy localized?
Yes
Related to infection?
No
Generalized lymphadenopathy?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Swollen lymph nodes |
| Localized lymphadenopathy |
| Generalized lymphadenopathy |
Coding lymphadenopathy without specifying the affected site (e.g., cervical, axillary) leads to inaccurate coding and potential claim denials.
Misclassifying generalized lymphadenopathy as localized, or vice versa, impacts severity documentation and DRG assignment.
Failing to document the underlying etiology (e.g., infection, malignancy) hinders accurate coding and quality reporting.
Patient presents with lymphadenopathy, characterized by enlarged lymph nodes. Assessment includes location, size, consistency, mobility, tenderness, and associated symptoms. Differential diagnosis considers infectious causes such as mononucleosis, streptococcal pharyngitis, tuberculosis, cat scratch disease, and HIV, as well as non-infectious etiologies including lymphoma, leukemia, autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and medications. Physical examination reveals palpable lymph nodes in the [specify location e.g., cervical, axillary, inguinal] region, measuring [size in cm]. Nodes are [consistency e.g., firm, rubbery, soft], [mobility e.g., mobile, fixed], and [tenderness e.g., tender, non-tender]. Patient reports [associated symptoms e.g., fever, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, sore throat, upper respiratory infection symptoms]. Diagnostic workup may include complete blood count (CBC) with differential, peripheral blood smear, lymph node biopsy, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, and serological testing for infectious agents depending on clinical suspicion. Treatment plan is dependent on the underlying cause of the lymphadenopathy and may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, observation for reactive lymphadenopathy, or referral to a hematologist or oncologist for suspected malignancy. Patient education provided regarding the diagnosis, potential causes, treatment options, and follow-up care. ICD-10 code R59.1 (localized lymphadenopathy) or R59.8 (other specified lymphadenopathy) may be appropriate depending on the specific presentation, with further specification if the underlying cause is identified. CPT codes for procedures performed, such as a lymph node biopsy (e.g., 38500-38525), should be documented accordingly.