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C50.919
ICD-10-CM
Metastatic Breast Carcinoma

Find comprehensive information on Metastatic Breast Carcinoma, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 C50.9), staging (TNM), treatment options, and prognosis. Learn about secondary breast cancer, distant recurrence, and advanced breast cancer management. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers seeking information on metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, symptoms, and support. This resource covers key aspects of MBC clinical care, pathology, and coding guidelines.

Also known as

Metastatic Breast Cancer
Secondary Breast Cancer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes.
  • Clinical Signs : Bone pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, skin changes, neurological symptoms.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinic, hospital, palliative care, radiation oncology.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C50.919 Coding
C50.0-C50.9

Malignant neoplasm of breast

Specifies the location and morphology of breast cancer.

C77.0-C77.9

Secondary malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes

Identifies lymph node involvement as a site of metastasis.

C79.81

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow

Indicates bone and bone marrow as sites of breast cancer spread.

C79.89

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Used for other metastatic sites not specifically listed, e.g., lung, liver.

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 as primary breast cancer (C50.x).

  • No

    Is site of metastasis known?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Metastatic Breast Carcinoma
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Metastatic Breast Carcinoma confirmed by pathology
  • Primary site of breast cancer documented
  • Sites of metastasis clearly specified
  • Date of initial diagnosis of breast cancer
  • TNM staging of metastatic disease

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding C80.1 without specifying metastatic site(s) leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement. Proper documentation of site(s) is crucial for correct coding.

  • Laterality Mismatch

    Conflicting laterality between primary and metastatic breast cancer diagnoses impacts staging and treatment planning. CDI should clarify left/right involvement.

  • Sequencing Issues

    Incorrect sequencing of primary and metastatic codes can affect DRG assignment and payment. Coding guidelines must be followed for accurate sequencing (C50.- before C79.81).

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code accurately: C50.9, C77-C79 for mets, laterality
  • Document mets site, stage, receptor status for correct ICD-10, SNOMED
  • Ensure timely abstracting, coding for optimal reimbursement, compliance
  • Query physicians for unclear documentation, improve data quality
  • Educate staff on coding guidelines, CDI best practices for MBC

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm primary breast cancer diagnosis (ICD-10 C50.-)
  • Verify metastasis site documentation (ICD-10 code)
  • Imaging/biopsy confirmation of metastasis
  • Review staging (TNM) for accurate coding/billing
  • Assess patient understanding/document informed consent

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer reimbursement hinges on accurate coding of primary site, laterality, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, and stage for optimal claims processing and minimized denials.
  • Quality metrics for Metastatic Breast Carcinoma include time to treatment initiation, pain management assessment, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) reporting, and palliative care consultations impacting hospital value-based purchasing.
  • Coding accuracy directly affects Case Mix Index (CMI) and hospital reimbursement for Metastatic Breast Cancer, impacting financial performance tied to correct ICD-10-CM (C50.-) and procedural codes.
  • Timely and accurate abstracting of Metastatic Breast Cancer data elements improves cancer registry data quality, facilitating epidemiological studies and impacting hospital quality reporting compliance.

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 C50.-
  • Document mets location
  • Use correct laterality code
  • Check for N, M stages
  • Abstract mets site precisely

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with metastatic breast cancer, confirmed by biopsy and imaging studies.  The primary breast cancer diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma, originally diagnosed in [Date].  Current metastatic sites include [List metastatic sites, e.g., bone, lung, liver].  Patient reports [Symptoms, e.g., bone pain, shortness of breath, fatigue].  Physical examination reveals [Clinical findings, e.g., palpable lymph nodes, tenderness to palpation].  Staging workup, including CT chest, abdomen, and pelvis, and bone scan, confirms the extent of metastatic disease.  Laboratory results show [Relevant lab values, e.g., elevated alkaline phosphatase, anemia].  The patient's performance status is ECOG [ECOG score].  Treatment plan includes [Treatment plan, e.g., chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, palliative care].  Patient education provided regarding prognosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.  Follow-up scheduled in [Timeframe].  Differential diagnosis included [Differential diagnoses, if relevant].  ICD-10 code C50.9 (Malignant neoplasm of breast, unspecified) and appropriate codes for metastatic sites are documented.  Medical necessity for treatment is established.  This documentation supports medical billing and coding for metastatic breast cancer management.