The May 2024 Registry Partners Oncology Coding Break is one many have been waiting for: EOD & SEER Summary Stage: Pericolorectal Tissue Invasion! Coding EOD of the Primary Tumor and SEER Summary Stage when pericolorectal tissues are invaded can be challenging. Accurate coding requires anatomy knowledge, good investigational skills, diligence, critical thinking, and consulting the appropriate manuals and resources.
First and foremost, we need to ensure we have a solid anatomy foundation to start our “investigation” and assign accurate coding and staging. We have a special guest join us to lend her anatomy expertise, Melissa Meador, Data Abstractor II (RP Oncology). Melissa is a former A&P Professor of more than 20 years, and brings a plethora of knowledge when it comes to this topic. Melissa walks us through the anatomical structures within the abdomen and pelvis, with a focus on the peritoneum and its relationship to the colon. Melissa points out completely and partially peritonealized segments and surfaces of the colon, as well as non-peritonealized segments and surfaces of the colon. We then explore other common conundrums of coding the EOD and SEER Summary stage. We start with investigational skills to determine the correct primary site and tumor invasion. Next, we don our thinking caps and tap into critical thinking! We review resources, including EMR source documents, for determining the peritoneal status of the primary site and corresponding coding and staging. Next, we review 3 case scenarios, applying each of the skills needed to accurately code EOD of the Primary Tumor and SEER Summary Stage. Finally, when all else fails, we review a special note in EOD and SEER Summary Stage Manuals which directs us on coding EOD and SEER Summary Stage when peritoneal status cannot be determined.
