06/15/2023

ASCO Coding Tip of the Month: June 2023

When the patient is presenting for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy, the primary diagnosis code should be an encounter code which reflects the therapy the patient is receiving at that encounter.  

Example: 

   Z51.0 Encounter for antineoplastic radiation therapy  
   Z51.11 Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy  
   Z51.12 Encounter for antineoplastic immunotherapy  

If the patient is presenting for a follow-up after the treatment has been completed, the provider would report the correct encounter for the follow-up diagnosis code as primary.   

Example: 

   Z08 Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm  

In addition to the primary diagnoses above, the appropriate diagnosis codes related to the conditions requiring care would also be reported for the services provided.

Selecting a Code Based on Time 

MDM Simplified 

IP, Discharge, and Observation 

Prolonged Services 

Care Management 

Split Shared Services 

New JW and JZ Modifiers 

FDA Oncology Drug Shortages