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C25.9
ICD-10-CM
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Find comprehensive information on Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 C25), symptoms, diagnosis, staging (TNM), and treatment options. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding practices related to pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and exocrine pancreatic cancer. Learn about the latest research, clinical trials, and support resources for patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Also known as

Pancreatic Cancer
Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Cancer of the pancreas, often arising in the exocrine glands.
  • Clinical Signs : Jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, new-onset diabetes.
  • Common Settings : Gastroenterology, oncology, surgery, palliative care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C25.9 Coding
C25.0-C25.9

Malignant neoplasm of pancreas

Cancer originating in the pancreas.

C78.89

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Cancer that has spread to the pancreas from another location.

Z85.0-Z85.8

Personal history of malignant neoplasm

History of previous cancer, including pancreatic cancer.

C80.1

Disseminated malignant neoplasm

Cancer that has spread widely throughout the body, potentially including the pancreas.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the pancreatic adenocarcinoma primary?

  • Yes

    Is there in situ involvement?

  • No

    Is the site specified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic Cystadenoma
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10 C25.9 Pancreatic adenocarcinoma coding
  • Confirm diagnosis with pathology report
  • Document tumor location and size
  • Stage using TNM system (AJCC 8th)
  • Record symptoms and relevant history

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding pancreatic adenocarcinoma without specifying the primary site (head, body, tail) leads to inaccurate data and reimbursement.

  • Stage Mismatch

    Discrepancy between documented stage and coded stage impacts treatment planning and quality reporting. Verify TNM staging.

  • Histology Confusion

    Incorrect coding of histologic subtypes (e.g., ductal vs. acinar cell) affects cancer registry data and research analysis.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code Z15.12 for pancreatic cancer screening, ICD-10-CM compliance.
  • Thorough HPI documentation for pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis specificity.
  • CA 19-9 levels, imaging results in clinical notes, CDI best practice.
  • Abstract pathology reports for confirmation, coding C25.0-C25.9 accuracy.
  • Multidisciplinary review for staging (TNM), optimal treatment, compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify imaging (CT/MRI/MRCP) confirms pancreatic mass.
  • Check CA 19-9 levels, noting limitations.
  • Confirm biopsy/cytology for adenocarcinoma diagnosis.
  • Assess for metastasis (liver, lung, peritoneum).
  • Evaluate patient performance status (ECOG).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • Keywords: Medical Billing, Coding Accuracy, ICD-10 C25, CPT, Hospital Reporting, HCC, Risk Adjustment, Quality Measures, Value-Based Care
  • Impact 1: Accurate coding (ICD-10 C25.x) impacts MS-DRG assignment and reimbursement.
  • Impact 2: HCC coding affects risk adjustment and value-based care payments.
  • Impact 3: Timely abstracting and coding impacts hospital case mix index reporting.
  • Impact 4: Accurate staging data crucial for quality reporting and cancer registry data.

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 C25.0-C25.9 for primary tumor
  • Specify histology 8140/3
  • Document tumor location, size, stage
  • Note if involving lymph nodes (C77.x)
  • Consider neoadjuvant therapy coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with pancreatic adenocarcinoma symptoms, including jaundice, abdominal pain radiating to the back, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite.  Physical examination reveals palpable abdominal mass and possible Courvoisier's sign.  Initial differential diagnosis includes pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, choledocholithiasis, and other pancreatic masses.  Preliminary laboratory findings demonstrate elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and CA 19-9 tumor marker.  Imaging studies, including abdominal ultrasound, CT scan of the abdomen with contrast, and or MRI of the pancreas, were ordered to evaluate for pancreatic lesions and assess for potential metastasis to the liver, regional lymph nodes, or peritoneum.  Based on the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory results, and imaging findings, a presumptive diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is made.  The patient was counseled regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options, including surgical resection (Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, palliative care, and clinical trials.  Referral to oncology, gastroenterology, and surgery for further evaluation and management was initiated.  Further diagnostic procedures, including endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration biopsy or percutaneous biopsy, are planned to obtain tissue for histopathological confirmation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma staging and grading.  Patient education regarding pain management, nutritional support, and potential complications, such as pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes, was provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to discuss biopsy results and finalize the treatment plan based on disease stage and overall health status.  Medical coding will utilize ICD-10 code C25.9 for malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified, and appropriate CPT codes for procedures performed.
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