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C56.9
ICD-10-CM
Metastatic Ovarian Cancer

Find comprehensive information on metastatic ovarian cancer, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, ICD-O), staging, treatment options, and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and the latest research related to advanced ovarian cancer. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers seeking guidance on managing and understanding metastatic ovarian cancer. Explore topics such as palliative care, clinical trials, and support groups for individuals affected by ovarian cancer metastasis.

Also known as

Ovarian Cancer with Metastasis
Secondary Ovarian Cancer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Cancer originating in the ovaries that has spread to other parts of the body.
  • Clinical Signs : Abdominal swelling, bloating, pain, pelvic pressure, fatigue, indigestion, urinary changes.
  • Common Settings : Gynecologic oncology, primary care, emergency medicine, hospital inpatient settings.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C56.9 Coding
C56

Malignant neoplasm of ovary

Covers primary and secondary malignant ovarian tumors.

C77

Secondary malignant neoplasm of peritoneum

Includes ovarian cancer that has spread to the peritoneum.

C78

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Use for ovarian cancer metastasized to locations not covered elsewhere.

C80

Malignant neoplasm without specification of site

For disseminated ovarian cancer where primary site is unknown.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the ovarian cancer primary?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Metastatic ovarian cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer
Fallopian tube cancer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Metastatic ovarian cancer diagnosis documentation checklist
  • ICD-10 C56: Malignant neoplasm of ovary
  • Confirm metastasis site/laterality
  • Stage using FIGO staging system
  • Histological type/grade if available
  • Date of original diagnosis of primary ovarian cancer

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Miscoding

    Incorrect coding of laterality (right, left, bilateral) for metastatic ovarian cancer can impact staging and treatment data.

  • Primary Site Documentation

    Insufficient documentation confirming the ovary as the primary site for metastatic disease leads to coding errors and claim denials.

  • Metastatic Site Specificity

    Lack of specific documentation of metastatic sites (e.g., peritoneum, liver) affects accurate coding and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code accurately: C56, C79.5, C80 for mets
  • Detailed documentation improves coding accuracy
  • Timely, specific clinical notes aid early diagnosis
  • Regular physician training ensures compliance
  • Multidisciplinary review improves diagnostic quality

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm CA-125 elevation & document level
  • Verify imaging (CT/MRI) shows metastasis
  • Histopathology from biopsy confirms ovarian primary
  • Ascites or pleural effusion analysis supports diagnosis
  • Document FIGO stage based on imaging/surgical findings

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Metastatic Ovarian Cancer reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (C56) and stage coding for optimal payer payments.
  • Coding quality directly impacts hospital case mix index CMI and severity of illness SOI reporting for ovarian cancer.
  • Timely, specific documentation of metastases influences appropriate DRG assignment and reduces claim denials.
  • Accurate coding and abstracting improve quality metrics for metastatic ovarian cancer treatment and survival analysis.

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 primary site, then C78.5
  • Document mets location precisely
  • Laterality matters for C78.5
  • Use C80.0 for peritoneal mets
  • Confirm stage, grade for accuracy

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of metastatic ovarian cancer.  Presenting complaints include abdominal distension, pelvic pain, bloating, early satiety, and urinary frequency or urgency.  Physical examination reveals abdominal tenderness, palpable mass, ascites, or pleural effusion.  Patient reports a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or other related malignancies.  CA-125 levels are elevated.  Imaging studies, including pelvic ultrasound, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, and chest X-ray, demonstrate findings consistent with metastatic ovarian cancer.  Biopsy confirms the diagnosis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma with metastasis to the peritoneum, omentum, and or other distant sites.  The patient's performance status is assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale.  Differential diagnosis includes benign ovarian masses, other gynecological malignancies, and gastrointestinal disorders.  Treatment plan includes surgical debulking, cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy with platinum-based agents and taxanes, and or targeted therapy depending on molecular profiling and disease stage.  Patient education regarding prognosis, treatment options, and potential side effects was provided.  Referral to oncology, genetic counseling, and palliative care is initiated.  Follow-up appointments are scheduled for monitoring of treatment response, disease progression, and management of complications.  ICD-10 code C56.9 Ovarian cancer, unspecified, is documented.