AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2009 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 & 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Inconclusive Mammogram
Effective October 1, 2009, a new code 793.82, Inconclusive mammogram, has been created. A routine mammogram may be inconclusive for a variety of reasons including dense breasts. This is not considered an abnormal condition, but a condition which requires further diagnostic testing to confirm that no malignant condition exists that cannot be noted on mammogram. Dense breasts refer to the breasts having more glandular and connective tissue and less fat tissue. Breast cancer may be harder to find on mammography in dense breasts since density affects the radiologist’s ability to see a tumor. The accuracy...
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Article Overview
This article covers a coding update effective October 1, 2009 involving an inconclusive mammogram finding within radiology-related diagnosis classification. It discusses the general context for why a mammogram may be considered inconclusive, the role of dense breast tissue, and how the topic fits into the broader set of nonspecific abnormal radiologic findings for the breast. The article is relevant for coding professionals, radiology staff, and billing teams who work with mammography-related diagnoses and screening versus diagnostic follow-up documentation.
Why This Topic Matters
Mammography findings often drive downstream diagnostic testing and diagnosis coding, so understanding when a mammogram is considered inconclusive helps support consistent reporting and proper record interpretation. This is especially important for radiology, breast imaging, and claims workflows that depend on accurate diagnosis classification.
Article Sections
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Code update and clinical context
Introduces the update effective October 1, 2009 and provides a general explanation of why some mammograms may be considered inconclusive. It also discusses dense breast tissue as a common contextual factor in breast imaging.
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Revision of nonspecific breast findings
Shows where the new finding is placed within the broader radiology diagnosis framework and notes related breast finding categories. The section presents the surrounding classification context without giving detailed coding rationale.
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Examples and follow-up questions
Presents sample encounter scenarios involving screening and follow-up breast imaging and begins a question about subsequent coding. The content is illustrative and focused on application context.
What You Will Learn
- How an inconclusive mammogram is framed in a radiology diagnosis update
- How dense breast tissue is discussed in relation to mammography findings
- How the topic fits within broader nonspecific breast findings classification
- What kinds of encounter scenarios are used to illustrate the documentation context
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology coding specialists
- Billing and reimbursement staff
- Breast imaging staff
- Healthcare compliance professionals
Codes Discussed
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