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C79.31
ICD-10-CM
Secondary Brain Cancer

Find comprehensive information on Secondary Brain Cancer, including metastatic brain tumors, cranial metastasis, and brain metastases. Learn about diagnosis codes, ICD-10 codes for secondary brain cancer, clinical documentation improvement for brain metastasis, and healthcare resources for patients with secondary brain tumors. This resource provides details on cancer staging, treatment options, and palliative care for secondary brain cancer. Explore insights into secondary brain tumor symptoms, prognosis, and the role of neuro-oncology in managing secondary brain malignancies.

Also known as

Brain Metastases
Metastatic Brain Tumor

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Cancer that spread to the brain from another part of the body.
  • Clinical Signs : Headaches, seizures, neurological deficits, cognitive changes, nausea, vomiting.
  • Common Settings : Oncology clinics, neurosurgery departments, radiation oncology centers, palliative care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C79.31 Coding
C79.3

Secondary malignant neoplasm of brain

Cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body.

C70-C72

Malignant neoplasms of meninges

Cancers originating in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

C79.89

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Cancer spread to other specified sites, which can include the brain depending on documentation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the brain cancer secondary (metastatic)?

  • Yes

    Primary site known?

  • No

    Do NOT code as secondary. Code the primary brain cancer based on documentation.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Secondary Brain Cancer
Brain Metastases
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Secondary brain cancer diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10 code C79.3 documented for secondary malignant neoplasm of brain
  • Primary cancer site and histology documented
  • Confirmation method: pathology, imaging, clinical findings
  • Date of original diagnosis for primary cancer

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (C79.3-) for site, histology
  • Detailed clinical documentation of primary cancer site
  • Timely pathology reports with clear diagnosis confirmation
  • Regular physician queries for unclear documentation
  • Compliance with reporting guidelines for brain metastases

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Primary cancer diagnosis documented (ICD-10 code)
  • 2. Brain imaging confirms metastasis (specify modality)
  • 3. Neurological exam findings consistent with SBC
  • 4. Histopathological confirmation if feasible (ICD-O-3 code)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Secondary brain cancer reimbursement hinges on accurate coding of primary site, histology, and metastases. Impacts: Lower RVUs with unspecified primaries, denied claims for coding mismatches.
  • Coding quality metrics directly influence case mix index (CMI) for secondary brain cancer. Impacts: Higher CMI with specific codes reflects case complexity, improves hospital reimbursement.
  • Precise documentation and coding of treatment modalities (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) are crucial for appropriate reimbursement. Impacts: Under-coding leads to revenue loss, over-coding triggers audits.
  • Timely and accurate reporting of secondary brain cancer diagnoses impacts hospital cancer registry data. Impacts: Data quality affects research, resource allocation, and public health initiatives.

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 C79.3, confirm histology
  • Document primary site, laterality
  • Abstract mets details carefully
  • Check staging, use C80 if unknown
  • Validate code with ICD-10-CM guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of secondary brain cancer, also known as metastatic brain cancer or brain metastasis.  Onset of [Symptom 1, e.g., headaches], [Symptom 2, e.g., seizures], and [Symptom 3, e.g., cognitive impairment] was reported as [Onset timeframe, e.g., gradual over the past three months].  Neurological examination revealed [Specific neurological findings, e.g., mild left hemiparesis, visual field deficits].  Patient history is significant for [Primary cancer type, e.g., stage IV non-small cell lung cancer] diagnosed [Date of primary cancer diagnosis].  Imaging studies, including [Imaging modality, e.g., MRI of the brain with and without contrast], demonstrate [Imaging findings, e.g., multiple ring-enhancing lesions consistent with metastatic deposits].  Differential diagnosis includes primary brain tumors, such as glioblastoma and meningioma, as well as other neurological conditions like abscesses and stroke.  Based on the patient's history of [Primary cancer type] and the characteristic imaging findings, the diagnosis of secondary brain cancer is highly suspected.  Biopsy of the brain lesion is planned to confirm the diagnosis histologically and guide treatment decisions.  Treatment options for secondary brain cancer include corticosteroids for symptom management, radiation therapy, such as whole-brain radiation therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy, and surgical resection where appropriate.  Referral to oncology, neurosurgery, and palliative care will be initiated.  The patient's prognosis and treatment plan will be discussed with the patient and family after histopathological confirmation. This documentation supports ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., C79.31 for secondary malignant neoplasm of brain] and relevant CPT codes for the diagnostic procedures performed and therapeutic interventions planned.  Patient education regarding brain metastasis management, potential side effects of treatment, and supportive care resources was provided.  Follow-up appointment is scheduled for [Date of follow-up].