Ovarian cysts are noncancerous masses that grow in the ovaries. Read about the symptoms, treatment options and ICD-10 codes for ovarian cysts.

1. 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 ICD-
10 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 obstetrician-
gynecologists 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

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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

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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.