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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD03.39

D03.39

Billable

Melanoma in situ of other parts of face

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 D03.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of melanoma in situ of other parts of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Melanoma in situ of other parts of the face refers to a localized form of melanoma that has not invaded deeper layers of the skin or metastasized to other areas of the body. This condition is characterized by the presence of atypical melanocytes confined to the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. Melanoma in situ can occur on various parts of the face, including the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes, and is often detected through routine skin examinations or when patients present with suspicious lesions. Early detection is crucial, as melanoma in situ has a high cure rate when treated promptly. Treatment typically involves surgical excision of the lesion, and ongoing surveillance is recommended to monitor for any new lesions or changes in existing ones. The risk of progression to invasive melanoma is a significant concern, particularly if the lesion is not adequately treated. Regular follow-up appointments and skin checks are essential components of the management plan for patients diagnosed with melanoma in situ.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between melanoma in situ and invasive melanoma
  • Understanding the specific anatomical locations classified under 'other parts of face'
  • Navigating the nuances of documentation for skin lesions
  • Awareness of surveillance protocols and follow-up care

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lesion characteristics
  • Failure to document the location of the melanoma
  • Lack of follow-up care documentation
  • Misclassification of melanoma in situ as invasive melanoma

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histological findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with suspicious skin lesions, routine skin checks, and post-operative follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the excision margins and any additional treatments provided.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including surgical and non-surgical interventions, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with a history of melanoma, including surveillance and treatment of new lesions.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's risk factors and family history of skin cancer for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D03.39 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, melanoma in situ is classified based on the specific site of the lesion
  • Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of the lesion's characteristics and location

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D03.39 When
  • Exclusions include invasive melanoma and other skin conditions that may mimic melanoma

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, face, ears, scalp

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising melanoma in situ from the face.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure accurate coding based on the location and size of the excised lesion.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of melanoma cases and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of melanoma cases and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of melanoma cases and outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between melanoma in situ and invasive melanoma?

Melanoma in situ is confined to the epidermis and has not invaded deeper tissues, while invasive melanoma has penetrated beyond the epidermis into the dermis or deeper layers.