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C64.9
ICD-10-CM
Renal Cell Carcinoma

Find comprehensive information on Renal Cell Carcinoma diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (C64), clinical documentation requirements, staging (TNM), and pathology reports. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis for kidney cancer. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and patients seeking information on Renal Cell Carcinoma management.

Also known as

Kidney Cancer
Hypernephroma
Renal Adenocarcinoma

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Kidney cancer arising from renal tubules.
  • Clinical Signs : Blood in urine, flank pain, palpable mass, weight loss, fatigue.
  • Common Settings : Urology, oncology, imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C64.9 Coding
C64

Malignant neoplasm of kidney

Cancers specifically affecting the kidney.

C79.0

Secondary malignant neoplasm of kidney

Cancer that has spread to the kidney from another site.

C80

Malignant neoplasm without specification of site

Unspecified or unknown primary cancer location, potentially including kidney.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the renal cell carcinoma confirmed?

  • No

    Do not code as renal cell carcinoma. Code the presenting symptoms or suspected diagnosis.

  • Yes

    Lateralization specified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal Oncocytoma
Renal Angiomyolipoma

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Renal cell carcinoma diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10-CM C64 documented, laterality specified
  • Tumor size, location, stage (TNM) recorded
  • Histologic subtype documented from pathology
  • Evidence of metastasis: documented, if present
  • Symptoms, imaging findings supporting diagnosis

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, unspecified) for renal cell carcinoma impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. ICD-10-CM coding guidelines require specific laterality codes.

  • Histology Specificity

    Lack of specific histology documentation can lead to inaccurate coding and affect cancer staging. CDI specialists should query physicians for detailed histology information for accurate ICD-10-CM code assignment.

  • Staging Documentation

    Incomplete staging documentation (TNM) can impact treatment planning and appropriate code assignment. CDI and coding audits should focus on complete staging for proper ICD-10-CM and potentially SNOMED CT coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (C64.-) for RCC type, laterality
  • Precise stage documentation using TNM for optimal risk stratification
  • Complete medical record review for comorbidity coding (e.g., hypertension)
  • Regular physician training on RCC coding, CDI best practices
  • Timely pathology reports, imaging results crucial for accurate diagnosis

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify hematuria, flank pain, palpable mass documented (ICD-10 C64)
  • Check imaging (CT/MRI/US) for renal mass (SNOMED CT 26700007)
  • Confirm biopsy for RCC histopathology (ICD-O-3 M-8310/3)
  • Review labs for elevated creatinine, anemia (LOINC 2160-0, 718-7)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Renal Cell Carcinoma reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (C64.-) and CPT coding for surgical, radiation, and chemo therapies, impacting case mix index.
  • Precise coding and staging (TNM) are crucial for appropriate MS-DRG assignment and optimal reimbursement in RCC cases.
  • Timely and complete documentation of RCC treatment, including biomarker testing, influences quality reporting metrics like hospital readmission rates.
  • Renal Cell Carcinoma treatment pathway adherence affects value-based care reimbursement and influences publicly reported quality performance scores.

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 C64.9 for unspecified RCC
  • Laterality matters: use C64.0-C64.2
  • Document TNM stage for C64
  • Histology confirms RCC diagnosis
  • Consider N1, M1 codes for spread

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints suggestive of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including [list presenting symptoms, e.g., hematuria, flank pain, palpable abdominal mass, weight loss, fatigue].  Differential diagnosis includes renal cyst, renal adenoma, urothelial carcinoma, and other retroperitoneal masses.  Physical examination revealed [document relevant findings, e.g., palpable renal mass, costovertebral angle tenderness].  Imaging studies, including [specify imaging modality, e.g., CT abdomen pelvis with and without contrast, MRI abdomen, renal ultrasound], demonstrate a [description of lesion characteristics, e.g., heterogeneously enhancing renal mass measuring X cm located in the upper pole of the right kidney, evidence of renal vein thrombosis].  Laboratory results show [include relevant labs, e.g., elevated creatinine, anemia, hypercalcemia].  Biopsy is planned to confirm the diagnosis and determine the histologic subtype of renal cell carcinoma (clear cell, papillary, chromophobe, collecting duct, medullary).  Based on clinical presentation, imaging findings, and laboratory data, the presumptive diagnosis is renal cell carcinoma.  Staging workup will be performed including chest imaging to assess for pulmonary metastasis and bone scan to evaluate for bone involvement. Treatment options, including partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and active surveillance, will be discussed with the patient following histopathologic confirmation and staging.  Patient education regarding renal cancer prognosis, treatment side effects, and follow-up care will be provided.  Referral to oncology and urology has been made.  ICD-10 code C64.9 (malignant neoplasm of kidney, unspecified) is used preoperatively, and the final code will be determined after pathology review and staging.  CPT codes for diagnostic imaging, biopsy, and consultations will be documented accordingly.