Malignant neoplasm of small intestine, unspecified site

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating in any part of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, or ileum) when the precise location within this organ is not documented. It indicates a primary malignancy rather than a metastatic lesion.

This code is appropriate when the pathology report or physician documentation confirms a malignant neoplasm of the small intestine, but the specific segment (e.g., duodenum, jejunum) is not identified. It should be used when more specific ICD-9-CM codes for small intestine malignancy cannot be assigned due to lack of detail.

• Always seek clarification from the provider if the specific site of the small intestine malignancy is not documented to allow for more precise coding.
• Do not use this code if the malignancy is secondary or metastatic to the small intestine; instead, code the primary site and then the secondary malignancy.
• Review the pathology report carefully to ensure no more specific site information is available before assigning this unspecified code.