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C78.00
ICD-10-CM
Metastasis to Lung

Find comprehensive information on Metastasis to Lung, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 M19.90, C78.00, C78.01, C78.02), and healthcare guidelines. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis for secondary lung cancer. This resource provides essential details for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals seeking accurate and up-to-date information on pulmonary metastasis.

Also known as

Secondary Lung Cancer
Lung Metastases

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Spread of cancer from a primary site to the lungs.
  • Clinical Signs : Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis. May be asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, hospitals, radiation therapy centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C78.00 Coding
C78.00-C78.09

Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung

Malignant cancer that has spread to the lung from another site.

C77.0-C77.9

Secondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs

Cancer spread to parts of the respiratory system, including the lung.

C00.0-C97

Malignant neoplasms

Cancers of various sites, some of which may metastasize to the lung.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the primary malignancy known?

  • Yes

    Is it documented as metastatic?

  • No

    Is it specified as unknown primary?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Metastasis to Lung
Lung Cancer NOS
Pulmonary Nodule

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document primary cancer site
  • Confirm metastasis with imaging/biopsy
  • Specify laterality (left/right lung)
  • Stage of metastatic disease (TNM)
  • Symptoms/impact on lung function

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Primary Site Missing

    Missing documentation of the primary cancer site leading to inaccurate coding and potential underreporting of metastasis.

  • Laterality Mismatch

    Discrepancy between documented laterality (right, left, bilateral) and coded laterality affecting data accuracy and reimbursement.

  • Malignant vs Uncertain

    Insufficient documentation to confirm malignancy leading to potential miscoding and impacting quality reporting and treatment planning.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code C78.0 for secondary malignant neoplasm of lung
  • Document primary cancer site for accurate coding
  • Query physician for unclear mets documentation
  • Ensure staging TNM is complete per guidelines
  • Abstract mets info for registry compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Primary cancer site documented? (ICD-10 C00-C97)
  • 2. Imaging evidence lung nodules? (Size, location)
  • 3. Biopsy/cytology confirms metastasis? (ICD-10 C78.0)
  • 4. Symptoms correlate with lung mets? (Dyspnea, cough)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Metastasis to Lung reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (C34.-) impacting MS-DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding quality directly influences Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy for lung metastasis cases, impacting hospital reporting.
  • Physician documentation specificity is crucial for correct staging (TNM) impacting severity level and appropriate reimbursement.
  • Timely and accurate coding of lung metastasis diagnoses minimizes claim denials and optimizes revenue cycle management.

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 primary site first
  • Document metastasis clearly
  • C78.1 for lung metastasis
  • Specify laterality if known
  • Check for M19.0 guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of lung metastasis, including persistent cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and chest pain.  Review of systems reveals fatigue, weight loss, and decreased appetite.  Physical examination may demonstrate diminished breath sounds, pleural effusion, or lymphadenopathy.  Imaging studies, including chest X-ray, CT scan of the chest, andor PET scan, reveal pulmonary nodules or masses consistent with metastatic disease.  The patient's medical history includes [Primary cancer site, e.g., breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma].  Biopsy of the pulmonary lesion confirms metastatic [Primary cancer type] to the lung.  Differential diagnosis includes primary lung cancer, benign pulmonary nodules, and infectious processes.  The diagnosis of lung metastasis is based on imaging findings, histopathological confirmation, and the patient's known primary malignancy.  Staging workup is performed to assess the extent of metastatic disease.  Treatment options for lung metastasis are discussed with the patient, including systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.  The treatment plan is tailored to the patient's overall health status, performance status, and the specific primary cancer type.  Referral to oncology, pulmonology, and palliative care specialists is made as appropriate.  Patient education regarding prognosis, potential complications, and supportive care measures is provided.  Follow-up appointments are scheduled for monitoring treatment response and managing symptoms.
Metastasis to Lung - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation