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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD17.79

D17.79

Billable

Benign lipomatous neoplasm of other sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D17.79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign lipomatous neoplasm of other sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Benign lipomatous neoplasms, commonly referred to as lipomas, are soft tissue tumors composed of adipose (fat) tissue. They are typically slow-growing, painless, and can occur in various locations throughout the body, including subcutaneous tissues, muscles, and internal organs. While most lipomas are benign and do not pose significant health risks, they can occasionally cause discomfort or functional impairment depending on their size and location. Surveillance for these neoplasms is generally not required unless they exhibit unusual growth patterns or symptoms. Although the malignant potential of lipomas is extremely low, it is essential to differentiate them from liposarcomas, which are malignant tumors of adipose tissue. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, often supported by imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the size and characteristics of the tumor. Surgical excision is the most common treatment for symptomatic lipomas or those that are cosmetically concerning. Regular follow-up may be warranted for larger or symptomatic lesions to monitor for any changes in size or characteristics.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from malignant tumors such as liposarcoma
  • Variability in presentation based on location
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Documentation of symptoms and treatment rationale

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the tumor's characteristics
  • Failure to specify the site of the lipomatous neoplasm
  • Misclassification as malignant due to lack of clarity
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation for symptomatic cases

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the excision procedure, size, and location of the lipoma.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of symptomatic lipomas or those causing functional impairment.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the reason for surgery and any complications.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Clinical notes detailing the appearance, size, and location of the lipoma, along with any associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of lipomas during routine skin examinations.

Billing Considerations

Document any changes in size or symptoms to support the need for intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D17.79 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D17
  • 79 should be used for benign lipomatous neoplasms located in unspecified sites
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the site is clearly identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D17.79 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when a lipoma is excised for symptomatic relief.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the excision and characteristics of the lipoma.

Specialty Considerations

Surgeons should document the size and location 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 benign lipomatous neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 liposarcoma?

A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of adipose tissue, while a liposarcoma is a malignant tumor of the same tissue type. Lipomas are generally painless and slow-growing, whereas liposarcomas can be aggressive and require immediate treatment.