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C85.90
ICD-10-CM
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Find comprehensive information on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes C81-C96, medical coding guidelines, SNOMED CT concepts, healthcare terminology, and pathology reports. Learn about NHL staging, treatment options, and prognosis. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis and management.

Also known as

NHL
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Cancer of the lymphatic system affecting lymphocytes (infection-fighting cells).
  • Clinical Signs : Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, hematology departments, hospitals, cancer centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C85.90 Coding
C82-C85

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid tissue excluding Hodgkin lymphoma.

C76.7

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes

Indicates secondary or unspecified malignant neoplasms involving lymph nodes.

C97

Malignant neoplasms of independent and overlapping sites of lymphoid, haematopoietic and related tissue

Malignancies affecting multiple lymphoid, hematopoietic sites concurrently.

C81

Hodgkin lymphoma

While distinct from non-Hodgkin, helps distinguish related lymphoid malignancies.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the lymphoma indolent (slow growing)?

  • Yes

    Follicular type?

  • No

    Aggressive lymphoma?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis documentation
  • NHL ICD-10 code confirmation (C82-C85)
  • Lymph node biopsy pathology report
  • Immunophenotyping and flow cytometry results
  • Staging documented (Ann Arbor or Lugano)
  • Bone marrow biopsy if indicated, documented

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding for NHL subtypes (e.g., C82-C85)
  • Detailed clinical documentation of NHL stage, site, morphology
  • Timely pathology reports with clear diagnostic confirmation of NHL
  • Regular CDI reviews for complete NHL documentation to support coding
  • Ensure NHL treatment aligns with NCCN guidelines for compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review patient history for B symptoms (fever, sweats, weight loss). ICD-10: R50-R69
  • Palpable lymphadenopathy documented? ICD-10: R59.1, Physical Exam
  • Biopsy performed and pathology report reviewed? ICD-10: C85.9, Morphology
  • CBC and LDH levels checked? Patient Safety, Lab Values

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM C81-C96 coding, impacting MS-DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding quality directly affects Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy for NHL, impacting hospital reimbursement and quality reporting.
  • Precise documentation of NHL staging and treatment impacts appropriate APR-DRG grouping and hospital case mix.
  • Timely and accurate coding of NHL comorbidities and complications influences hospital quality metrics and potential penalties.

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 NHL subtype precisely
  • Document staging with Ann Arbor
  • Specify cell type morphology
  • Link chemo to NHL diagnosis
  • Check laterality documentation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including painless lymphadenopathy, fatigue, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and intermittent fever.  Physical examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes in the cervical and axillary regions.  Complete blood count (CBC) demonstrated lymphocytosis.  Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) was within normal limits.  Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were elevated.  Imaging studies, including computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, revealed mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy, confirming the presence of lymphoma.  Biopsy of the affected lymph node was performed and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, specifically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).  Immunohistochemistry staining and flow cytometry analysis were consistent with the diagnosis.  Ann Arbor staging indicates Stage II disease.  The patient's International Prognostic Index (IPI) score was calculated to assess prognosis.  Treatment plan includes a combination chemotherapy regimen of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone).  Patient education was provided regarding the diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and follow-up care.  Referral to oncology and hematology specialists has been initiated for ongoing management.  Patient will be closely monitored for treatment response and potential complications.  ICD-10 code C85.9 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, is documented for billing and coding purposes.