AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2017 Issue 1; Ask the Editor
Hepatic Flexure versus Transverse Colon
There seems to be a discrepancy in the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS classification of hepatic flexure of the colon. ICD-10-CM classifies the hepatic flexure to the transverse colon, while the ICD-10-PCS body part key classifies it to the ascending colon. For example, code D12.3, Benign neoplasm of the transverse colon, is assigned for a diagnosis of adenomatous polyp of the hepatic flexure, but the excision of the polyp would be assigned to code 0DBK8ZZ, Excision of ascending colon, via natural or artificial opening endoscopic. Could Coding Clinic provide guidance when the sites don’t match? ...
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Article Overview
This Find-A-Code article examines a terminology discrepancy involving the hepatic flexure of the colon across ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. It is relevant to inpatient and outpatient coding professionals who need to understand how site terminology is classified for diagnosis and procedure coding and why official guidance may be needed when the two systems do not align. The article presents the issue, gives a brief anatomical context, and points to the coding concern that arises when diagnosis and procedure site terms appear to map differently.
Why This Topic Matters
When diagnosis and procedure code sets classify the same anatomic site differently, coders may face uncertainty in code selection and documentation interpretation. This article highlights a common anatomy-to-code-set mismatch that can affect consistency and the need for authoritative clarification.
What You Will Learn
- How the hepatic flexure is viewed in the context of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS
- Why differing body site classifications can create coding questions
- What type of guidance coders may seek when diagnosis and procedure site terms do not match
- How anatomy terminology can affect code-set interpretation
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- CDI specialists
- Inpatient coding professionals
- Outpatient coding professionals
Codes Discussed
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