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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD23.20

D23.20

Billable

Other benign neoplasm of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D23.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other benign neoplasm of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D23.20 refers to benign neoplasms of the skin located on the ear and external auricular canal that do not fit into more specific categories. These neoplasms can include a variety of skin lesions such as seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibromas, or other benign tumors that may arise from the epidermis or dermis. Clinically, these lesions are typically asymptomatic but may present as raised, pigmented, or non-pigmented lesions. Diagnosis is often made through clinical examination, and in some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the benign nature of the lesion. Management usually involves monitoring for changes, and surgical excision may be considered if the lesion becomes symptomatic or for cosmetic reasons. Follow-up care is essential to ensure that no malignant transformation occurs and to monitor for the development of new lesions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of benign neoplasms that can be coded under this category
  • Need for precise documentation to differentiate from malignant lesions
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other skin conditions
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on lesion characteristics

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of lesion characteristics
  • Failure to specify the location of the neoplasm
  • Inadequate follow-up documentation
  • Misclassification of benign lesions as malignant

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, color, and texture, as well as any changes over time.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of a patient presenting with a new skin lesion on the ear, or follow-up of a previously diagnosed benign neoplasm.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that any excised lesions are sent for pathology to confirm benignity.

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the patient's history, examination findings, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of skin lesions in patients with ear infections or other ear-related conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the impact of lesions on hearing or ear function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D23.20 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, D23
  • 20 should be used when a benign neoplasm of the skin is confirmed, and no specific site is documented
  • It is important to ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and, if necessary, pathology reports

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D23.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when a benign neoplasm is excised from the ear.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and type of lesion excised.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the excision is justified based on clinical findings.

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. D23.20 provides a means to capture benign lesions that do not fit into more specific categories, which can help in tracking the prevalence of these conditions.

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. D23.20 provides a means to capture benign lesions that do not fit into more specific categories, which can help in tracking the prevalence of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. D23.20 provides a means to capture benign lesions that do not fit into more specific categories, which can help in tracking the prevalence of these conditions.

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 D23.20 and D23.21?

D23.20 is used for benign neoplasms of the skin of unspecified ear, while D23.21 is specifically for benign neoplasms of the skin of the right ear. Accurate coding depends on the documentation of the lesion's location.