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C61
ICD-10-CM
Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Find comprehensive information on metastatic prostate cancer, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 C61), and healthcare resources. Learn about diagnosis, treatment options, staging (TNM), and prognosis for advanced prostate cancer. Explore guidelines for accurate medical coding and documentation to support optimal patient care for men with metastatic prostate cancer. This resource offers valuable information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand metastatic prostate cancer management.

Also known as

Advanced Prostate Cancer
Stage IV Prostate Cancer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body.
  • Clinical Signs : Bone pain, fatigue, weight loss, urinary problems. Symptoms vary based on location of metastasis.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, radiation oncology, urology, medical oncology, palliative care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C61 Coding
C61

Malignant neoplasm of prostate

Cancer originating in the prostate gland.

C77-C80

Secondary malignant neoplasms

Cancers that have spread from a primary site.

C79.5

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow

Prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.

C79.89

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Prostate cancer spread to sites like lymph nodes or organs.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the prostate cancer documented as metastatic?

  • Yes

    Is the site of metastasis specified?

  • No

    Do NOT code as metastatic. See localized prostate cancer guidelines.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Localized Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer with Regional Lymph Node Involvement

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Metastatic Prostate Cancer diagnosis documentation checklist
  • ICD-10 C61 Prostate cancer codes, medical coding guidelines
  • Document primary prostate cancer site and laterality
  • Specify metastatic site(s) and involved organ systems
  • Date of initial diagnosis, progression, and metastasis
  • PSA levels, Gleason score, imaging findings required
  • Treatment plan details: hormone therapy, radiation, surgery

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Missing Mets Site

    Documentation lacks specific site(s) of prostate cancer metastasis, impacting code selection (C79.5, C77, etc.) and reimbursement.

  • Lymph Node Staging

    Insufficient documentation of lymph node involvement (N stage) can lead to inaccurate coding and affect treatment planning (Nx, N0, N1, etc.).

  • PSA Level Clarity

    Unclear or missing documentation of PSA levels during diagnosis and treatment may hinder risk stratification and appropriate code assignment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code accurately: C79.51, C61 for primary, avoid unspecified codes.
  • Document mets location, PSA levels, Gleason score for accurate staging.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks staging details.
  • Regular chart reviews for complete diagnostic info, ensure compliance.
  • Timely, specific documentation improves patient care and reimbursement.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify PSA level documented, coded (ICD-10 C61, SNOMED CT 37219001)
  • Confirm Gleason score in pathology report (ICD-O-3)
  • Check imaging results for metastasis location (e.g., bone scan, CT)
  • Document TNM staging (ICD-10 C61.9, SNOMED CT 128870009)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • Keywords: Medical billing, coding accuracy, ICD-10 C61, CPT 77067, hospital reporting, quality metrics, prostate cancer staging, treatment
  • Impact 1: Accurate coding (C61) impacts appropriate reimbursement for complex care.
  • Impact 2: Staging data influences quality reporting metrics and treatment pathway selection.
  • Impact 3: Correct coding ensures proper risk adjustment in value-based care models.
  • Impact 4: Precise documentation supports medical necessity reviews and reduces denials.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective strategies for managing bone metastases in castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (CRPC) to improve patient outcomes and minimize skeletal-related events?

A: Managing bone metastases in CRPC requires a multifaceted approach aimed at both controlling disease progression and mitigating skeletal-related events (SREs) like fractures and spinal cord compression. Bone-targeted agents such as denosumab and zoledronic acid have demonstrated efficacy in reducing SREs. Radium-223 dichloride, a targeted alpha therapy, offers an additional option, particularly for patients with symptomatic bone metastases and no visceral disease. Systemic therapies like androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs), chemotherapy (e.g., docetaxel, cabazitaxel), and newer agents targeting specific pathways also play a crucial role in controlling disease progression, which indirectly impacts bone health. The choice of treatment should be individualized based on patient characteristics, disease burden, and prior therapies. Explore how integrating these different strategies can optimize outcomes for patients with bone metastatic CRPC. Consider implementing a comprehensive approach that addresses both bone health and systemic disease control.

Q: How can clinicians accurately differentiate between biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer and metastatic prostate cancer, especially in cases with rising PSA levels after radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy?

A: Differentiating between biochemical recurrence (BCR) and metastatic prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy primarily relies on a combination of PSA kinetics, imaging studies, and clinical evaluation. BCR is defined by a rising PSA level without radiographic evidence of metastases, while metastatic disease is confirmed by imaging findings (e.g., bone scan, CT, MRI, PSMA PET). Rapidly doubling PSA times, high PSA velocity, and elevated PSA levels suggest a higher likelihood of metastatic disease. Imaging plays a crucial role in confirming the presence and extent of metastases, especially in patients with high-risk BCR. PSMA PET scanning has demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting metastatic lesions, even at low PSA levels. Clinical assessment, including a thorough history and physical exam, helps evaluate for symptoms related to metastatic disease. Learn more about the role of advanced imaging techniques in accurately staging prostate cancer and guiding treatment decisions.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary prostate cancer first
  • Use C79.51 for discontinuous mets
  • Document mets site, laterality
  • C79.52 for contiguous mets
  • Verify N, M staging codes

Documentation Templates

Metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed.  Patient presents with (chief complaint and relevant symptoms e.g., progressively worsening lower back pain, fatigue, weight loss).  History includes (relevant past medical history e.g.,  benign prostatic hyperplasia, previous prostate biopsy, family history of prostate cancer).  Physical examination reveals (relevant findings e.g., tenderness to palpation of the lumbar spine, lymphadenopathy).  Laboratory findings include elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of (numeric value e.g., 22.5 ngmL).  Imaging studies including (mention specific studies e.g., bone scan, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, MRI of the spine) demonstrate (specific findings e.g., osteoblastic lesions consistent with bone metastases, lymphadenopathy suggestive of metastatic disease).  Biopsy of (site of biopsy e.g., bone lesion, lymph node) confirms adenocarcinoma consistent with metastatic prostate cancer.  Gleason score (if available, include score and grade group).  Diagnosis of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is (confirmed or ruled out) based on (clinical and laboratory findings e.g., rising PSA despite androgen deprivation therapy, castrate levels of testosterone).  Treatment plan discussed with patient including options such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with (specify e.g., luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists, antiandrogens), chemotherapy (e.g., docetaxel, cabazitaxel), newer hormonal agents (e.g., enzalutamide, abiraterone), radionuclide therapy (e.g., radium-223), bisphosphonates for bone metastases, and palliative care.  Risks, benefits, and alternatives of each treatment option were explained.  Patient understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.  Follow-up scheduled in (timeframe e.g., two weeks) to reassess and monitor treatment response.  ICD-10 code C61 (malignant neoplasm of prostate) with appropriate site code for metastasis.  CPT codes for procedures performed documented separately.
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