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D12.6
ICD-10-CM
Tubular Adenoma of Colon

Learn about tubular adenoma of colon diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (D12.6), SNOMED CT concepts, and histology. Find information on colon polyps, adenoma pathology, precancerous colon lesions, lower GI endoscopy procedures, and colorectal cancer screening guidelines for healthcare professionals. Understand the importance of accurate medical coding and documentation for tubular adenoma, including sessile and pedunculated types. This resource provides essential information for physicians, nurses, coders, and other healthcare providers involved in the diagnosis and management of tubular adenomas.

Also known as

Adenomatous Polyp of Colon
Benign Neoplasm of Colon

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Benign gland-forming growth on the inner lining of the colon.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. May cause bleeding, change in bowel habits if large.
  • Common Settings : Detected during colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC D12.6 Coding
D12.0-D12.9

Benign neoplasm of colon

Benign (non-cancerous) growths in the colon.

K63.0-K63.9

Polyp of colon

Abnormal tissue growths projecting from the colon lining.

Z86.010

Personal history of colonic polyps

Indicates a past diagnosis of polyps in the colon.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the tubular adenoma of the colon with high-grade dysplasia?

  • Yes

    Is it with in situ carcinoma?

  • No

    Is it with low-grade dysplasia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Benign colon polyp, glandular tissue
Tubular adenoma, colon polyp
Villous adenoma, colon polyp

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Tubular adenoma colon diagnosis documented
  • Size, location, and number of adenomas
  • Histology confirming tubular adenoma
  • High-risk features (if present): villous, high-grade dysplasia
  • Sessile, pedunculated, or flat morphology specified

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Benign vs Malignant

    Miscoding tubular adenoma (benign) as adenocarcinoma (malignant) due to similar terminology, impacting reimbursement and patient care.

  • Size and Location

    Inaccurate coding of adenoma size and location (e.g., sessile, pedunculated) affecting staging and surveillance recommendations.

  • Histology Specificity

    Lack of clear histology documentation (e.g., high-grade dysplasia) leading to coding errors and incorrect clinical management.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code adenoma location precisely: ICD-10-CM, SNOMED CT
  • Document size, histology, dysplasia grade for accurate coding
  • Complete polyp resection: CDI query for unclear documentation
  • Follow-up colonoscopy guidelines for compliance and coding
  • Adenoma surveillance: Document findings for risk adjustment HCC

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify colonoscopy report describes tubular architecture.
  • Confirm adenoma size documented for appropriate surveillance.
  • Check pathology report for high-grade dysplasia.
  • Assess patient risk factors for colorectal cancer.
  • Review family history for Lynch syndrome/FAP.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tubular Adenoma Colon Reimbursement: Coding (ICD-10 D12.6) impacts APC assignment and payment.
  • Quality Metrics: Colonoscopy Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) is directly affected by accurate diagnosis coding.
  • Hospital Reporting: Case Mix Index (CMI) is influenced by accurate coding of Tubular Adenoma.
  • Billing Accuracy: Proper coding and documentation are crucial for maximizing reimbursement and avoiding denials.

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 D12.6 for tubular adenoma
  • Document size, location, histology
  • Use SNOMED CT for morphology
  • Consider polyp number for coding
  • Confirm adenoma is not high-risk

Documentation Templates

The patient presents with (symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or incidental finding during screening colonoscopy).  Colonoscopic examination reveals a (sessile or pedunculated) polyp located in the (location: e.g., sigmoid colon, rectum, ascending colon) measuring (size in millimeters).  The polyp appears (description: e.g., erythematous, smooth, villous).  Polypectomy (or biopsy, if applicable) performed.  Pathological examination confirms the diagnosis of tubular adenoma.  Microscopic examination demonstrates low-grade dysplasia (or high-grade dysplasia if applicable).  Margins are (positive, negative, or close).  Assessment includes tubular adenoma of the colon, (size), (location).  Plan includes surveillance colonoscopy in (timeframe based on size, number, and histology of polyps) as per established guidelines.  Differential diagnoses considered included hyperplastic polyp, sessile serrated adenoma, and adenocarcinoma.  ICD-10 code D12.6 (Benign neoplasm of colon) is appropriate, along with relevant CPT codes for the colonoscopy and polypectomy (e.g., 45385, 45384, 45380 depending on the procedure performed).  Patient education provided regarding colon cancer screening guidelines, importance of follow-up, and lifestyle modifications for colorectal health.  Risks and benefits of surveillance colonoscopy discussed.  Patient verbalized understanding.