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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD03.62

D03.62

Billable

Melanoma in situ of left upper limb, including shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D03.62 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of melanoma in situ of left upper limb, including shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Melanoma in situ is a localized form of skin cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. When classified as 'in situ,' it indicates that the cancerous cells are confined to the epidermis and have not invaded deeper tissues. The left upper limb, including the shoulder, is a common site for melanoma due to sun exposure and other environmental factors. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough skin examination, dermatoscopy, and biopsy to confirm the presence of atypical melanocytes. Treatment often includes surgical excision of the lesion with clear margins to prevent progression to invasive melanoma. Surveillance is crucial for patients with melanoma in situ, as they are at risk for developing invasive melanoma in the future. Regular follow-up appointments and skin examinations are recommended to monitor for any new lesions or changes in existing moles. The prognosis for melanoma in situ is generally favorable, with a high cure rate when detected early and treated appropriately.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between in situ and invasive melanoma
  • Documentation of precise location (left upper limb, including shoulder)
  • Need for detailed pathology reports
  • Potential for multiple lesions requiring coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the lesion's characteristics
  • Failure to document the location accurately
  • Lack of follow-up notes indicating surveillance
  • Misclassification of in situ versus invasive melanoma

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, color, and borders; biopsy results; and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Skin examinations for suspicious moles, biopsy procedures, and follow-up visits for melanoma surveillance.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all findings are documented clearly to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of melanoma patients post-surgery, including monitoring for recurrence.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with dermatology for accurate tracking of patient history and treatment outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D03.62 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding neoplasms, ensuring accurate documentation of the site and type of melanoma
  • Include any relevant history of skin cancer and treatment received

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D03.62 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 lesion on the left upper limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion, excision margins, and pathology results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure coordination between dermatology and surgical teams for accurate coding.

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 patient care through better tracking of 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 enhancing patient care through better tracking of outcomes.

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 patient care through better tracking of 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, requiring different treatment and staging.