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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD03.8

D03.8

Billable

Melanoma in situ of other sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D03.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of melanoma in situ of other sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Melanoma in situ of other sites refers to a localized form of melanoma that has not invaded deeper layers of the skin or metastasized to other parts of the body. This condition is characterized by the presence of atypical melanocytes confined to the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Melanoma in situ can occur in various anatomical locations, including but not limited to the trunk, limbs, and head and neck regions. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as melanoma in situ has a high cure rate when treated promptly. The most common treatment options include surgical excision, which aims to remove the cancerous cells along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. Surveillance protocols typically involve regular skin examinations and monitoring for any changes in existing moles or the appearance of new lesions. Patients with a history of melanoma in situ are at an increased risk for developing invasive melanoma, necessitating ongoing vigilance and education regarding skin self-examinations and sun protection measures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of melanoma types and sites
  • Differentiation from other skin lesions
  • Need for precise anatomical site coding
  • Potential for misclassification with invasive melanoma

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the site of melanoma
  • Failure to document the treatment plan and follow-up
  • Misclassification of melanoma in situ as invasive melanoma
  • Lack of patient education documentation regarding surveillance

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of melanoma in situ, follow-up care, and skin cancer screenings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding based on biopsy results and treatment plans.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including surgical and non-surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of melanoma in situ, including surgical excision and adjuvant therapies.

Billing Considerations

Coordination of care with dermatology for ongoing surveillance.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D03.8 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, melanoma in situ is classified based on the specific site of occurrence
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the correct site is identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D03.8 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, neck; excised diameter over 4.0 cm

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising melanoma in situ from the specified areas.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and the margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure accurate coding based on the location and size of the 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 enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and patient demographics.

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 patient demographics.

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 patient demographics.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Melanoma

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Melanoma

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 other tissues.

How often should patients with melanoma in situ be monitored?

Patients with melanoma in situ should undergo regular skin examinations, typically every 3 to 6 months, depending on their risk factors and history.