Know the ICD-10 Codes to Document and Code Ovarian Cysts

Know the ICD-10 Codes to Document and Code Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are noncancerous masses that grow in the ovaries. Read about the symptoms, treatment options and ICD10 codes for ovarian cysts.

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Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs (similar to blisters) that grow in the ovaries – the almond-sized organs on each side of the uterus, which are part of the female reproductive system. Relatively common in women during their reproductive years, the cysts usually form during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg. Most ovarian cysts are small, harmless, non-cancerous masses on the ovaries that don’t cause any specific symptoms.

They occur naturally and disappear in a few months without requiring any specific treatment. But, there are some other cysts that can be painful and make a woman’s period heavier. There are several causes of ovarian cysts and the most common causes include – hormonal problems, early pregnancy, endometriosis, and severe pelvic infections. If left untreated, this condition can indicate other health issues, or even lead to problems with fertility. An OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) treating this condition must educate patients about potential causes and be alert to recognize the immediate symptoms and other complications associated with ovarian cysts. Ensuring that obstetriciangynecologists or other specialists receive proper reimbursement for treatment procedures is crucial. Outsourcing medical billing services is an option worth considering as this can help physicians ensure accurate and timely claim filing and reimbursement.

Reports suggest that about one-third of menstruating women have an ovarian cyst at any given time, which can affect both ovaries at the same time, or only one. The two most common types of cysts include - corpus luteum cyst and follicular cyst. Neither of these types usually cause symptoms and typically disappear on their own. Another type of ovarian cyst, a benign tumor, grows slowly and in rare cases, may become cancerous.

Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have multiple follicular cysts. In some cases, a cyst grows so large that it twists the ovary causing severe damage to the ovary or fallopian tube and may even cause life-threatening complications. This condition may require immediate surgery to remove the ovary, if it’s damaged permanently.

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Symptoms In most cases, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, as the cyst grows and become larger, symptoms can appear which can include – abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic pain before or during the menstrual cycle, painful intercourse, pain in the lower back or thighs, painful bowel movements, nausea and vomiting, heavy periods, irregular periods or lighter periods than normal, difficulty getting pregnant and faintness or dizziness. These symptoms can indicate a ruptured cyst or an ovarian torsion – both of which can lead to serious, life threatening complications if not treated early.

Diagnosing and Treating Ovarian Cyst Physicians may usually diagnose an ovarian cyst during a routine pelvic examination. If physicians notice swelling in one of the ovaries, they may recommend conducting diagnostic imaging tests like Ultrasound and CT scan to confirm the presence of cyst. An ultrasound test (ultrasonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of your internal organs. These tests help determine the size, location, shape, and composition (solid or fluid filled) of a cyst.

If a cyst is identified during the ultrasound scan, your physician may generally refer the case to a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health). As some cysts disappear after a few weeks or months, physicians may not immediately recommend a treatment plan. Instead, they may repeat the ultrasound test in a few weeks or months to check your condition. However, if there aren’t any visible changes in your condition or if the cyst increases in size, physicians will recommend several additional tests like - hormone level test (to check for hormone-related issues, such as level of estrogen or progesterone), CA-125 blood test to screen for ovarian cancer, and pregnancy test to determine the exact causes of symptoms.

Treatment options for ovarian cysts depend on several factors, including the size and type of cyst, specific symptoms, the woman's age and general health, her future pregnancy plans and whether the woman has been through menopause. As the risk of ovarian cancer www.outsourcestrategies.com

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is slightly higher in post-menopausal women, regular ultrasound scans and blood tests are generally recommended over the course of a year to monitor the level of growth. The earlier ovarian cysts are found, the less invasive will be the treatment required.

Treatment will be initiated to shrink or remove the cyst if it doesn’t go away on its own or if it grows larger. Gynecologists may prescribe oral contraceptives to stop ovulation and prevent the development of new cysts. Surgical options like Laparoscopy and Laparotomy will be considered as a last option to treat ovarian cysts that are extremely large and are unresponsive to hormonal treatment.

Obstetrics and Gynecology medical billing and coding is challenging, as it involves numerous rules related to reporting the procedure accurately. Obstetrician-gynecologists or other surgeons treating ovarian cysts must use the relevant ICD-10 codes to bill for the procedure.

ICD-10 codes for diagnosing ovarian cysts include –  N83 - Noninflammatory disorders of ovary, fallopian tube and broad ligament  N83.0 - Follicular cyst of ovary  N83.00 - Follicular cyst of ovary, unspecified side  N83.01 - Follicular cyst of right ovary  N83.02 - Follicular cyst of left ovary  N83.1- Corpus luteum cyst  N83.10 - Corpus luteum cyst, of ovary, unspecified side  N83.11 - Corpus luteum cyst, of right ovary  N83.12 - Corpus luteum cyst, of left ovary  N83.2 - Other and unspecified ovarian cysts  N83.20 - Unspecified ovarian cysts  N83.201 - Unspecified ovarian cyst, right side  N83.202 - Unspecified ovarian cyst, left side www.outsourcestrategies.com

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 N83.209 - Unspecified ovarian cyst, unspecified side  N83.29 - Other ovarian cysts  N83.291 - Other ovarian cyst, right side  N83.292 - Other ovarian cyst, left side  N83.299 - Other ovarian cyst, unspecified side Ovarian cysts are common, and most are harmless and go away with time. Women should be mindful of any changes in symptoms and never ignore severe pelvic pain.

Ovarian cysts can’t be prevented. However, routine gynecologic examinations can detect these cysts early. Benign ovarian cysts don’t become cancerous. However, symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Thus, it’s important to visit your doctor and receive a correct diagnosis.

Medical billing and coding for ovarian cysts requires adequate knowledge regarding appropriate coding modifiers and payer-specific medical billing. With all the complexities involved, gynecologists will find the support of a reliable and experienced medical coding service provider useful to report ovarian cysts treatment procedures correctly.

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