Prostate Cancer ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What Are ICD 10 Codes?

ICD-10 stands for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. It is a coding system used in healthcare to classify diagnoses, procedures, and symptoms systematically. CM indicates “Clinical Modification,” which is used in the U.S. for disease diagnoses (ICD-10-CM). ICD-10-PCS codes are used for coding procedures in inpatient settings. Both of these coding systems are used for medical claims and statistics purposes.

The ICD coding system started in the 1850s, with the first edition known as the International List of Causes of Death. The International Statistical Institute adopted the first version in 1893. WHO assumed the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) oversight (1948) to track and eliminate diseases from disease-inflicted populations. The organization introduced the Sixth Revision (ICD 6) to identify the causes of morbidity in the pre-defined coding system. WHO formulated and launched new versions (revisions) to overcome the problems of the previous versions. The organization released ICD 7 and ICD 8 in 1957 and 1968, respectively. The coding system's Ninth Revision (ICD 9) came out in 1979. The U.S. developed an exclusive version of this revision, ICD 9-CM (clinical modification). [¹]

ICD 9-CM created space for further developments to capture enhanced morbidity data. This (U.S.) new edition also incorporated surgical procedures and other components necessary for categorizing the needs of hospitals. Despite the Ninth Revision encompassing several crucial variables, it had a limited capacity to add codes. After years of research and development, CMS and the NCHS introduced a new system, ICD 10-CM (Tenth Revision, clinical modification), to establish a comprehensive classification system.

In general, ICD-10 codes are different for primary cancers (“malignant neoplasms”) and for metastatic lung cancer (“secondary malignant neoplasms”). [²]

What Is the ICD 10 Code for Prostate Cancer?

For primary prostate cancer tumors, the general ICD-10 code is C61 (malignant neoplasm of the prostate), whereas for secondary or metastatic tumors, the ICD-10 code is C79.82 (secondary malignant neoplasm of genital organs).

Primary Prostate Cancer ICD 10 Code: C61

Primary Prostate Cancer ICD Code C61 Lookup

The ICD 10 prostate cancer code for primary prostate cancers, which is classified under C61, “malignant neoplasm of prostate.” [³] does not have separate coding for subsites.

Types of Prostate Cancer Coded Under C61

The ICD 10 code C61 does not specify the subtype of prostate cancer. A C61 code can also apply to primary prostate cancers of various cell types. The following list covers the cell types to give you a better idea.

• Small Cell Carcinomas
• Neuroendocrine Tumors
• Transitional Cell Carcinomas
• Sarcomas

In other words, prostate small cell carcinoma ICD 10, neuroendocrine prostate cancer ICD 10, prostate transitional cell carcinoma ICD 10, and prostate sarcoma ICD 10 codes could all be C61 if they are determined to be primary malignant neoplasms of the prostate. To exemplify, a patient diagnosed with stage I prostate small cell carcinoma would be coded with C61.

Types of Prostate Cancer Excluded From ICD 10 C61

Malignant neoplasm of seminal vesicle (C63.7) is excluded from C61 prostate cancer coding. See details at [⁴].

Secondary and Metastatic Prostate Cancer ICD 10 Code: C79.82

Secondary or Metastatic Prostate Cancer ICD 10 Code C79.82 Lookup

Secondary or metastatic cancers spread from other parts of the body after affecting the primary site. The cancers metastasized from other locations may form the same tumor as in the primary site. The ICD 10 prostate cancer code for secondary prostate cancers, or prostate cancers metastasized from other locations, is C79.82, “secondary malignant neoplasm of genital organs.” [⁵]

Conclusion

The ICD 10 code for prostate cancer depends on the position of the tumor and the formation of the neoplasm (primary or secondary). Prostate cancer ICD 10 codes are not specified into subsites. Moreover, C61 excludes malignant neoplasm of the seminal vesicle. Primary prostate cancers fall under ICD 10 C61, and secondary cancers are found in C79.82 in the coding system. It is important to know that the ICD 10 code does not specify the prostate cancer type. The codes can be the same if two different types of prostate cancer are located in the same part. The origin and pathophysiology of prostate cancers and the patient’s condition play a crucial role in determining the ICD 10 coding.