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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD23.9

D23.9

Billable

Other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D23.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D23.9 refers to other benign neoplasms of the skin that do not fall into more specific categories. These neoplasms can arise from various skin cells, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts, and may present as lesions that are typically asymptomatic. Common examples include dermatofibromas, seborrheic keratosis, and lipomas. While these growths are generally non-cancerous and do not metastasize, they can cause cosmetic concerns or discomfort depending on their size and location. 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, but surgical excision may be indicated for symptomatic lesions or for cosmetic reasons. Follow-up care is essential to ensure that any changes in the lesion are noted, and to rule out the development of malignant changes over time.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the lesion's characteristics
  • Failure to specify the location of the neoplasm
  • Misclassification of benign lesions as malignant
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for monitored lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and appearance, along with any relevant patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of a patient with a new skin lesion, follow-up of previously diagnosed benign neoplasms, and management of symptomatic lesions.

Billing Considerations

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

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination notes, including any previous malignancies and family history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of skin lesions in patients with a history of skin cancer, and monitoring for changes in benign lesions.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating between benign and malignant lesions is crucial; thorough documentation is necessary to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D23.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D23
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of benign neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that the lesion is confirmed as benign

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D23.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when a benign neoplasm is excised for symptomatic relief or cosmetic reasons.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure that the excision is well-documented to support the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin neoplasms, but D23.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified benign lesions. This can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the nature of the condition, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin neoplasms, but D23.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified benign lesions. This can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the nature of the condition, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin neoplasms, but D23.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified benign lesions. This can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the nature of the condition, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

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 should I document to support the use of D23.9?

Document the characteristics of the lesion, including size, location, and any symptoms. If a biopsy is performed, include the results to confirm the benign nature of the lesion.