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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesMetastatic Malignant Melanoma

Metastatic Malignant Melanoma

ICD-10 Coding for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma(C79.2, C79.51, C43.71)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOncology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Metastatic Malignant Melanoma?
Essential facts and insights about Metastatic Malignant Melanoma

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of metastatic lesions in distant organs
  • Symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and pain at metastatic sites
  • Physical exam may reveal lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, or organomegaly

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document the primary site of melanoma and any metastatic sites
  • Use specific terminology such as 'metastatic malignant melanoma' and specify the site
  • Examples include: 'Patient diagnosed with metastatic melanoma to the liver' or 'Stage IV melanoma with lung metastasis'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow usage guidelines for staging and site specificity in coding
  • Common errors include misidentifying the primary site or failing to document metastasis

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
  • Alternative codes for benign skin lesions or other malignancies

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
C43.9
Malignant melanoma of unspecified skin
C43.8
Malignant melanoma of other sites
C78.00
Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified lung

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Oncology

Specialty Applications

  • Adult and pediatric populations with diagnosed melanoma
  • Oncology clinics, hospitals, and outpatient settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

Document the primary melanoma site, metastatic sites, and any relevant clinical findings.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding of both primary and metastatic sites to avoid claim denials.