The ICD-10-CM code C50.812 is a specific and billable diagnosis code used in medical coding to classify “Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of left female breast”. This code is essential for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and billing specialists for accurate documentation and reimbursement processes related to breast cancer diagnoses in women. It falls under the broader category of malignant neoplasms of the breast, specifying a cancer located in overlapping areas within the left female breast.
Key Aspects of Diagnosis Code C50.812
ICD-10-CM code C50.812 holds several important characteristics that are crucial for its correct application:
- Specific to Females: This code is exclusively applicable to female patients, reflecting the biological specificity of breast cancer diagnoses.
- Billable Code: C50.812 is recognized as a billable code, meaning it is valid for claiming reimbursement for healthcare services provided.
- Effective Date: The current 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, including code C50.812, became effective on October 1, 2024. This date is important for ensuring the use of the most up-to-date coding system for accurate medical records and billing.
- American ICD-10-CM Standard: It’s important to note that C50.812 is part of the American ICD-10-CM version. International versions of ICD-10 may have variations, so using the correct version is vital for US-based healthcare practices.
Synonyms for ICD-10-CM Code C50.812
To ensure clarity and assist in diagnosis and coding, several approximate synonyms are associated with ICD-10-CM code C50.812. These include:
- Cancer, female breast, left overlapping sites
- Female breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma, left overlap
- Female breast infiltrating lobular carcinoma, left overlap
- Overlapping infiltrating ductal carcinoma of left female breast
- Overlapping infiltrating lobular carcinoma of left female breast
- Overlapping primary malignant neoplasm of female left breast
- Primary overlapping malignant neoplasm of female left breast
These synonyms provide alternative ways to describe the condition coded by C50.812, aiding in both clinical understanding and accurate code assignment.
Coding Context and History
ICD-10-CM code C50.812 is situated within the Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v42.0), which is relevant for hospital reimbursement calculations. Looking at its code history, C50.812 was introduced as a new code in 2016 (effective October 1, 2015) and has remained unchanged through the 2025 edition. This stable history indicates the code’s continued relevance and accuracy in classifying this specific type of breast cancer.
Furthermore, C50.812 is part of a family of related codes, including C50.811 (Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of right female breast) and C50.819 (Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of unspecified female breast). Understanding these adjacent codes helps to differentiate and select the most precise code based on the location of the malignant neoplasm.
In conclusion, ICD-10-CM code C50.812 is a critical tool for classifying and coding malignant neoplasms in overlapping sites of the left female breast. Its specific nature, billability, and clear definition ensure accurate medical documentation, proper reimbursement, and effective communication within the healthcare system.
