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C79.9
ICD-10-CM
Metastatic Breast Cancer

Find comprehensive information on metastatic breast cancer, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 C50.9, C79.81), staging (TNM), treatment options, and healthcare resources. Learn about secondary breast cancer, distant recurrence, and advanced breast cancer management. Explore symptoms, diagnosis, and palliative care for metastatic breast cancer patients. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers seeking guidance on metastatic breast cancer.

Also known as

Stage IV Breast Cancer
Advanced Breast Cancer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
  • Clinical Signs : Bone pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, neurological symptoms depending on the site of metastasis.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, hospitals, palliative care settings, support groups.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C79.9 Coding
C50.919

Malignant neoplasm of breast

Metastatic breast cancer, unspecified site

C77-C79

Secondary malignant neoplasms

Metastasis to specified sites, including potential breast cancer spread

C79.81

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Metastatic breast cancer to other specified sites

C80.1

Malignant (primary) neoplasm, unspecified

Used when the primary site is unknown, but malignancy is present, potentially breast

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the breast cancer primary?

  • Yes

    Do NOT code as metastatic. Code the primary breast cancer.

  • No

    Is the site of metastasis known?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer, Invasive
Breast Cancer, In Situ

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis documentation checklist
  • ICD-10 C50.9, secondary malignant neoplasm of breast
  • Confirm primary breast cancer origin, site, histology
  • Document metastatic site(s) and laterality
  • Date of original diagnosis, stage if known
  • Treatment history, including hormone receptor status

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Miscoding

    Incorrect coding of right, left, or unspecified breast, impacting staging and treatment data accuracy. Relevant for medical coding, CDI, and healthcare compliance.

  • Site Specificity Gaps

    Missing documentation of metastatic site details (bone, liver, etc.) leads to inaccurate coding and underreporting severity. Crucial for medical coding, CDI, and compliance.

  • Sequencing Issues

    Incorrect primary/secondary sequence of breast cancer and metastatic disease codes affects reimbursement and quality reporting. Key for medical coding, CDI, and healthcare compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code accurately: C50.9, C77-C79 for mets, record site
  • Document mets location, size, symptoms for staging, TNM
  • Follow NCCN guidelines for diagnostics, imaging, biopsy
  • Ensure timely, compliant physician queries for clarity
  • Abstract data precisely for registry, quality reporting

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify primary breast cancer diagnosis (ICD-10 C50.x) documented.
  • Confirm metastatic site/s documented with specific ICD-10 code(s).
  • Check imaging reports (e.g., CT, bone scan, MRI) supporting metastasis.
  • Review biopsy/pathology report confirming metastatic breast cancer.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payment, denials. Proper ICD-10-CM (C50.-) and stage coding crucial.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Survival rates, time to treatment, progression-free survival affected by coding and staging. Accurate reporting essential.
  • Hospital Reporting: Metastatic breast cancer case volume, treatment outcomes, resource utilization tied to accurate coding for public reporting.
  • Billing Optimization: Correct HCPCS codes for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery critical for appropriate reimbursement and minimizing claim edits.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective current treatment strategies for managing hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women?

A: Hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women is commonly treated with endocrine therapy as the first line of treatment. Current guidelines recommend aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane as initial therapy. Fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), can be utilized in cases of disease progression on aromatase inhibitors or as initial therapy in certain situations. CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, are also frequently used in combination with endocrine therapy to improve progression-free survival. The specific choice of endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitor depends on individual patient factors, prior treatments, and disease characteristics. Explore how different combinations of endocrine therapy and targeted agents can optimize treatment outcomes in individual patients. Consider implementing strategies for managing treatment-related side effects to improve patient adherence and quality of life. Learn more about the latest clinical trial data regarding sequencing and duration of these treatments.

Q: How can I differentiate between the clinical presentations of locally advanced breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer to ensure accurate staging and treatment planning?

A: Differentiating between locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) hinges on the extent of disease spread. LABC involves extensive involvement of the breast and surrounding tissues, such as skin or chest wall, and/or significant regional lymph node involvement, but without distant metastases. MBC, on the other hand, is defined by the presence of cancer cells in distant organs like bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Careful clinical examination, including assessment of the primary tumor, regional lymph nodes, and a thorough evaluation for signs and symptoms suggestive of distant metastasis, are crucial. Imaging studies, such as CT scans, bone scans, and PET scans, play a critical role in confirming the presence or absence of distant metastases. Biopsy of suspicious lesions is essential for definitive diagnosis of metastatic disease. Accurate staging is paramount for guiding appropriate treatment decisions. Consider implementing multidisciplinary tumor board discussions to ensure comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment planning for patients with LABC or MBC. Learn more about the role of advanced imaging techniques in detecting and characterizing metastatic lesions.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary site C50.-
  • Document mets location
  • Use C79.81 for unknown secondary
  • Check laterality codes
  • Abstract staging TNM accurately

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), confirmed by biopsy and imaging studies.  The primary breast cancer diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma, originally diagnosed in [Month, Year], with estrogen receptor (ER) [positive/negative], progesterone receptor (PR) [positive/negative], and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) [positive/negative] status.  Current metastatic sites include [List sites, e.g., bone, lung, liver].  Patient reports symptoms of [List symptoms, e.g., bone pain, fatigue, shortness of breath].  Performance status is documented as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) [0-5].  Treatment plan includes [Specify treatment, e.g., chemotherapy with [drug regimen], hormone therapy with [drug regimen], targeted therapy with [drug regimen], radiation therapy to [site], palliative care].  Discussed treatment options, risks, and benefits with the patient.  Patient demonstrates understanding and consents to the proposed plan.  Referrals made to [List referrals, e.g., oncology, pain management, social work].  Scheduled follow-up appointment in [Timeframe].  ICD-10 code C50.9 (Malignant neoplasm of breast, unspecified) with appropriate site-specific codes for metastases will be utilized for billing and coding purposes.  Prognosis discussed with patient and family.  Patient education provided regarding disease management, symptom control, and available support services.


Patient with a history of [Stage] [ER/PR/HER2 status] breast cancer, originally diagnosed in [Month, Year], now presents with clinical and radiographic evidence of metastatic disease.  Metastatic workup, including [Specify imaging modalities, e.g., CT scan, bone scan, PET scan], confirms metastatic involvement of [List sites].  Patient's symptoms include [List symptoms].  Patient reports a performance status consistent with ECOG [0-5].  Considering patient's medical history, current performance status, and molecular subtype, the treatment plan includes [Specify treatment, e.g., first-line, second-line, or subsequent-line therapy with specific regimen].  Potential treatment-related adverse effects, including [List potential side effects], were discussed with the patient.  Genetic testing for [Specify genes, e.g., BRCA1/2] is [recommended/not recommended/already performed and results are [positive/negative]].  Patient agrees with the proposed treatment plan and understands the potential risks and benefits.  Referral to [List referrals, e.g., oncology nutrition, physical therapy] has been made.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Timeframe].  ICD-10 code C50.9 will be used, along with site-specific metastasis codes, for accurate medical billing and coding.  Advanced care planning and palliative care options were also discussed.  Patient will continue to be monitored closely for treatment response and disease progression.
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