C46.4
BillableKaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 21 — Breast, Prostate, Colorectal and Other Cancers and Tumors
0.545V24HCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.675ESRDHCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.000RxHCCHCC 20 — Cancer, Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct
0.000What This Code Means
Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the blood vessels and tissues lining the digestive system, from the mouth to the rectum. This condition is most commonly seen in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with HIV/AIDS.
Coding Tips
- •Always verify the specific gastrointestinal site affected (esophagus, stomach, colon, etc.) as there may be more specific subcodes available under C46.4x
- •This code should be paired with the underlying cause of immunosuppression (such as B20 for HIV disease) to provide complete clinical documentation
Clinical Significance
Kaposi sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract represents visceral involvement and is associated with more severe disease requiring systemic therapy. Gastrointestinal Kaposi sarcoma can cause bleeding, obstruction, or protein-losing enteropathy, significantly increasing morbidity and healthcare utilization.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Endoscopy or biopsy-confirmed Kaposi sarcoma in the gastrointestinal tract
- ✓Specific gastrointestinal site (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, etc.)
- ✓Symptoms attributable to gastrointestinal involvement (bleeding, obstruction, weight loss)
- ✓Human Immunodeficiency Virus status and antiretroviral therapy response
- ✓Current oncologic treatment plan
Commonly Confused Codes
C15-C20 (Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs) — adenocarcinomas and other primary gastrointestinal cancers, not Kaposi sarcomaC46.0 (Kaposi sarcoma of skin) — cutaneous only; gastrointestinal involvement requires C46.4C49.A_ (Gastrointestinal stromal tumors) — different tumor type arising from interstitial cells of Cajal, not vascularC78.4-C78.5 (Secondary malignant neoplasm of small/large intestine) — metastasis from another primary, not Kaposi sarcoma
Code Hierarchy
└C46Kaposi's sarcoma└C46.4Kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites
└C46.4Kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites