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Z85.850
ICD-10-CM
Personal History of Thyroid Cancer

Find information on documenting and coding a personal history of thyroid cancer. This resource covers clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (Z85.850), SNOMED CT concepts, and best practices for accurately recording a patient's past thyroid cancer diagnosis in healthcare settings. Learn about the importance of complete medical history documentation for optimal patient care and appropriate billing. Explore resources for healthcare professionals related to past thyroid malignancy, history of thyroid carcinoma, and previous thyroid cancer treatment.

Also known as

History of Thyroid Cancer
Resolved Thyroid Cancer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Previous diagnosis of thyroid cancer, now treated or in remission.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. Possible neck lump, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing depending on recurrence.
  • Common Settings : Endocrinology, Oncology, Primary Care follow-up for surveillance.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z85.850 Coding
Z85.820

Personal history of thyroid cancer

Indicates a past diagnosis of thyroid cancer, now inactive.

Z85.89

Personal history of other malignant neoplasms

History of other cancers not otherwise specified, including thyroid if not Z85.820.

E89.0

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

Low thyroid function following procedures, sometimes related to prior thyroid cancer treatment.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the thyroid cancer currently active?

  • Yes

    Do NOT code as personal history. Code the active thyroid cancer (C73.-).

  • No

    Is there any evidence of recurrence or residual tumor?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Personal history of thyroid cancer
History of thyroid nodule
Family history of thyroid cancer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thyroid cancer diagnosis date
  • Type and stage of thyroid cancer
  • Laterality (left, right, bilateral)
  • Treatment received (surgery, RAI, etc.)
  • Current disease status (active, remission)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Code Specificity

    Lack of specific Z85 codes for thyroid cancer history, leading to inaccurate coding of laterality, histology, and treatment status.

  • Active vs. History

    Miscoding active thyroid cancer (C73) as personal history (Z85) impacting treatment and surveillance planning.

  • Documentation Clarity

    Insufficient documentation of complete thyroid cancer history (type, treatment, laterality) hindering accurate code assignment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code Z85.850 for personal history of thyroid cancer.
  • Document thyroid cancer type, laterality, date of dx.
  • Ensure complete staging (TNM) is documented in history.
  • For active surveillance, specify follow-up plan.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation is vague.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm prior thyroidectomy diagnosis code (e.g., C73)
  • Verify pathology report mentions thyroid cancer type
  • Check for documented follow-up care plan for recurrence
  • Review imaging reports for evidence of residual disease

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • **Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: Personal History of Thyroid Cancer**
  • **Keywords:** Medical billing, coding accuracy, ICD-10 Z85.820, history of malignant neoplasm of thyroid, hospital reporting, reimbursement impact, quality metrics, case mix index, risk adjustment
  • **Impacts:**
  • Increased CMI through accurate Z85.820 coding.
  • Improved risk adjustment scores for patient complexity.
  • Supports appropriate resource allocation and reimbursement.
  • Enables accurate tracking of thyroid cancer history for population health.

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 Z85.850 thyroid cancer history
  • Document diagnosis, treatment details
  • Specify type/site if known
  • Lateral/lobectomy? Code appropriate Z-code
  • Active surveillance? Code Z08/Z85

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a personal history of thyroid cancer.  Initial diagnosis of (specify thyroid cancer type, e.g., papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma was established on (date) based on (diagnostic methods, e.g., fine-needle aspiration biopsy, thyroidectomy pathology).  The original tumor size was (size) cm, located in the (location, e.g., right lobe, left lobe, isthmus).  (Specify if multifocal or multicentric).  Staging at diagnosis was (TNM stage).  Initial treatment included (surgical procedures, e.g., total thyroidectomy, lobectomy, isthmusectomy, lymph node dissection) performed on (date).  Post-surgical radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) was (administered or not administered) with (dosage and date if applicable).  Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression therapy with (medication name and dosage) was initiated.  Current TSH level is (value) mU/L.  Patient is currently (asymptomatic or symptomatic, specifying symptoms if present).  Physical examination of the neck reveals (findings, e.g., no palpable masses, surgical scar).  Surveillance includes (ongoing monitoring plan, e.g., periodic TSH levels, neck ultrasound, thyroglobulin measurements).  Assessment:  History of (thyroid cancer type) thyroid cancer, status post (treatment summary).  Plan:  Continue current management with (medication and dosage) and scheduled follow-up in (timeframe) for (purpose of follow-up, e.g., TSH monitoring, physical exam, ultrasound).  Differential diagnoses at initial presentation included (list relevant differential diagnoses).  ICD-10 code: (appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., Z85.850).  This documentation supports medical necessity for continued surveillance and management of the patient's history of thyroid cancer.
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