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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD03.60

D03.60

Billable

Melanoma in situ of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D03.60 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of melanoma in situ of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Melanoma in situ is a type of skin cancer that is confined to the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, and has not invaded deeper tissues. The designation 'in situ' indicates that the cancerous cells are localized and have not metastasized. This specific code, D03.60, refers to melanoma in situ located on the unspecified upper limb, which includes the shoulder. Clinically, melanoma in situ may present as a changing mole or a new pigmented lesion that may vary in color, size, and shape. Early detection is crucial, as melanoma can progress to invasive disease if left untreated. Surveillance protocols typically involve regular skin examinations by a healthcare provider, patient self-examinations, and possibly dermatoscopic evaluations to monitor for changes in existing lesions or the emergence of new ones. The risk of progression to invasive melanoma is higher in cases where the lesion is larger or exhibits atypical features, necessitating timely intervention and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of melanoma in situ
  • Need for precise documentation of lesion characteristics
  • Differentiation from other skin lesions
  • Potential for progression to invasive melanoma

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lesion characteristics
  • Failure to document surveillance protocols
  • Misclassification of in situ versus invasive melanoma
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of lesion size, shape, color, and changes over time.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial diagnosis of melanoma in situ, follow-up visits for monitoring, and treatment planning.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of any changes in the lesion.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of melanoma in situ, including excisional biopsy and patient education on skin monitoring.

Billing Considerations

Coordination of care with dermatology for ongoing surveillance.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D03.60 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, D03
  • 60 should be used when the melanoma is confirmed as in situ and located on the upper limb
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that there is no evidence of invasion

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D03.60 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, face, ears, scalp, neck; excised diameter over 4.0 cm

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a melanoma in situ from the upper limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and the margins of excision.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure coordination with dermatology for follow-up care.

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 enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

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 enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving the accuracy of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

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 and may metastasize.