ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD17.0

D17.0

Billable

Benign lipomatous neoplasm of skin and subcutaneous tissue of head, face and neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D17.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign lipomatous neoplasm of skin and subcutaneous tissue of head, face and neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D17.0 refers to a benign lipomatous neoplasm, commonly known as a lipoma, located in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the head, face, and neck. These neoplasms are characterized by the proliferation of adipose (fat) tissue and are typically soft, movable, and painless. Lipomas can vary in size and may present as solitary lesions or multiple occurrences. While they are benign and generally do not pose a significant health risk, they can cause cosmetic concerns or discomfort depending on their size and location. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound may be utilized to assess deeper structures. Surgical excision is the most common treatment if the lipoma is symptomatic or for cosmetic reasons. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure that the lipoma does not change in size or characteristics, which could indicate a need for further evaluation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Clear diagnostic criteria for benign lipomatous neoplasms
  • Well-defined anatomical locations
  • Low likelihood of malignant transformation
  • Standard treatment protocols

Audit Risk Factors

  • Misclassification of benign vs. malignant neoplasms
  • Inadequate documentation of the neoplasm's characteristics
  • Failure to specify the anatomical location accurately
  • Incorrect coding of associated procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the lesion, including size, location, and any symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of a patient presenting with a lipoma on the scalp or face.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly states the benign nature of the lesion to avoid misclassification.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the excision procedure and pathology results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of a large lipoma for cosmetic reasons.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgery, including patient preference and any functional impairments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D17.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D17
  • 0 should be used when the neoplasm is confirmed as benign and located specifically in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the head, face, and neck

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D17.0 When
  • Exclusions include malignant neoplasms and other types of benign tumors not classified as lipomas

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when a lipoma is surgically excised.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the excision and pathology results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the procedure is documented as excision of a benign lesion.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for procedures related to lipomas.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for procedures related to lipomas.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes for procedures related to lipomas.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a lipoma and a malignant tumor?

A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fat cells, while a malignant tumor is cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize. Lipomas do not typically pose a health risk, whereas malignant tumors require immediate medical intervention.