2025 ICD-10-CM code C79.51
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Secondary malignancies - Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone Neoplasms Feed
Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone. This code indicates the presence of a cancerous tumor that has spread to the bone from a primary cancer site elsewhere in the body.
Medical necessity for services related to C79.51 is established by the diagnosis of metastatic cancer affecting the bone, along with the associated signs, symptoms, and functional limitations.The medical record should clearly document the impact of the bone metastasis on the patient's condition and the need for interventions to address pain, prevent fractures, or manage complications.
Physicians use this code to document the presence of bone metastasis.Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies (bone scan, MRI, PET), blood tests, and potentially a biopsy. Treatment aims to manage pain, prevent fractures, and slow cancer progression, often involving chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and medications like bisphosphonates.
In simple words: This code means that cancer has spread to the bone from another part of the body.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone.A secondary malignant neoplasm is a cancerous growth that has originated in another part of the body and spread (metastasized) to the bone. This condition is distinct from primary bone cancer, where the cancer originates in the bone itself. The code requires additional documentation identifying the primary site of the malignancy.
Example 1: A patient with a history of breast cancer presents with new bone pain. Imaging reveals a lesion in the femur, confirmed as metastatic breast cancer., A patient undergoing treatment for lung cancer develops a pathological fracture. Further investigation identifies multiple bone metastases as the underlying cause., A patient with prostate cancer experiences severe back pain. A bone scan shows widespread bone metastasis, leading to a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of the spine.
Documentation should include the primary site of the malignancy, the location of the bone metastasis, confirmation via imaging or biopsy, and associated symptoms.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office, Independent Clinic, etc.