This 35 year old female patient has carcinoma of the upper-outer left breast. She had a lumpectomy performed and a sentinel lymph node biopsy of the axillary lymph node. The pathology report for the lymph node states no pathological change. what ICD-9 code with POA indicator used????

To determine the appropriate ICD-9 code for this scenario, we need more information about the specific characteristics of the carcinoma and any other relevant conditions. The ICD-9 code will vary depending on factors such as the type, stage, and laterality of the carcinoma. Additionally, the ICD-9 code also requires a POA (Present on Admission) indicator to indicate whether the condition was present at the time of admission.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find the correct ICD-9 code with the appropriate POA indicator:

1. Identify the specific type of carcinoma: The ICD-9 code will vary based on the type of carcinoma, such as invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, or other specific histological types. The pathology report should provide this information.

2. Determine the stage of the carcinoma: The stage of the carcinoma is crucial for selecting the appropriate ICD-9 code. It is usually determined based on the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The staging information may be available in the patient's medical records.

3. Identify the laterality of the carcinoma: The location of the carcinoma is specified in the question as "upper-outer left breast." This information is important because the ICD-9 code will differ depending on whether it is on the left or right side.

4. Check for any other relevant conditions: The ICD-9 code may also require additional information about any coexisting conditions or complications that the patient may have. This information may be mentioned in the medical records or history.

Once you have gathered all the necessary details, you can consult the ICD-9 codebook or use an electronic coding software to find the specific code. The POA indicator will depend on whether the carcinoma was present at the time of admission or developed during the hospitalization.

Please note that ICD-9 codes have been replaced by ICD-10 codes since October 1, 2015. While ICD-9 codes may still be used in some situations, it is generally recommended to use the more current ICD-10 codes for accurate and up-to-date coding.