Lung Cancer Screening ICD-10 Codes: How to Bill Correctly - Best Writes

Lung Cancer Screening ICD-10 Codes: How to Bill Correctly

Lung cancer screening is a key preventive measure that helps detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. But for healthcare providers and billing teams, using the correct ICD-10 codes is just as important as the screening itself.

Proper coding ensures accurate documentation, smooth insurance claims, and compliance with billing regulations. This 2025 guide from Best Writes Links explains how to bill correctly for lung cancer screening using the correct ICD-10 codes, procedure codes, and documentation standards.

? What Is Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening uses a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan to look for signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear. The scan is quick, non-invasive, and uses very low levels of radiation.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), annual LDCT screening is recommended for individuals who:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
  
  

• Have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history.
  
  

• Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years..
  
  

These criteria define who qualifies for preventive lung cancer screening — a key detail that must be reflected in your documentation and billing.

? Why ICD-10 Coding Matters in Billing

ICD-10 codes help describe why a medical service was performed. For lung cancer screening, accurate coding ensures:

• Insurance approval and payment
  
  

• Clear patient records
  
  

• Compliance with federal screening guidelines
  
  

• Proper tracking of public health data
  
  

Incorrect or missing ICD-10 codes can lead to denied claims, reimbursement delays, and compliance issues.

? Primary ICD-10 Code for Lung Cancer Screening

The main ICD-10 diagnosis code used for preventive lung cancer screening is:

➡️ Z12.2 — Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs

✅ Use Z12.2 when:

• The patient meets the eligibility criteria for screening.
  
  

• The screening is preventive (no current symptoms)
  
  

• The visit is for an annual LDCT scan.
  
  

Example:

A 60-year-old current smoker undergoes an LDCT scan for preventive lung cancer screening.
ICD-10 Code: Z12.2

This code tells payers that the screening is preventive and not based on an existing diagnosis.

⚕️ Supporting ICD-10 Codes for Smoking History

To ensure insurance approval and billing accuracy, always include a smoking history code. This supports the medical necessity of the screening.

Standard supporting codes include:

• F17.210 — Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated
  
  

• F17.211 — Nicotine dependence, in remission
  
  

• Z87.891 — Personal history of nicotine dependence
  
  

Example for complete claim:

• Z12.2 — Screening for malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs
  
  

• Z87.891 — Former smoker
  
  

Together, these codes justify the preventive screening and confirm patient eligibility.

? Billing and Procedure Codes

In addition to diagnosis codes, proper procedure coding is essential for billing lung cancer screening services.

HCPCS Procedure Code:

• G0297 — Low-Dose CT (LDCT) for lung cancer screening
  
  

ICD-10 Codes to Link:

• Z12.2 — Screening encounter
  
  

• F17.210 / Z87.891 — Smoking-related codes
  
  

Documentation Must Include:

• Patient’s age and smoking history
  
  

• Statement that the service is preventive
  
  

• Provider’s recommendation for annual LDCT
  
  

Insurance Coverage:
Most insurers, including Medicare, cover one LDCT screening per year for eligible patients if proper documentation and ICD-10 coding are provided.

? ICD-10 Codes for Abnormal Findings

If the screening results show abnormal findings, use additional codes to document them:

• R91.1 — Solitary pulmonary nodule
  
  

• R91.8 — Other nonspecific abnormal findings of the lung field
  
  

If lung cancer is confirmed, apply C34.x series codes (e.g., C34.10, C34.30) to indicate the specific type and location of the cancer.

⚠️ Common Billing Errors to Avoid

❌ Using diagnostic cancer codes (C34.x) for preventive screenings
❌ Forgetting to document smoking history
❌ Not linking Z12.2 to G0297 procedure code
❌ Missing patient eligibility details in the claim

Avoiding these errors keeps your claims clean and ensures faster reimbursement.

? Final Thoughts

Correct billing for lung cancer screening depends on accurate ICD-10 coding, clear documentation, and proper use of procedure codes. Always use Z12.2 for screening encounters and include smoking history codes such as F17.210 or Z87.891 for complete accuracy.

By following these 2025 ICD-10 coding guidelines, clinics can streamline their billing process, avoid denials, and ensure patients receive preventive care without financial obstacles.

At Best Writes Links, we make medical coding simple, straightforward, and up to date — helping healthcare providers stay compliant while delivering the best care possible.