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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC79.2

C79.2

Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of skin

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C79.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C79.2 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms of the skin, which are metastatic skin lesions originating from primary cancers located elsewhere in the body. These lesions can arise from various malignancies, including but not limited to breast, lung, and melanoma. The skin serves as a common site for metastasis due to its extensive vascular supply and lymphatic drainage. Clinically, these lesions may present as nodules, plaques, or ulcerated areas, and they can vary in appearance based on the primary tumor type. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, and biopsy to confirm malignancy. Staging of secondary skin neoplasms is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment options, often utilizing the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) system. Palliative care considerations are essential, as many patients with secondary skin malignancies may have advanced disease, necessitating symptom management and quality of life improvements. Treatment may include local therapies, systemic chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the primary cancer type and extent of disease.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer can be challenging.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the metastatic nature of the skin lesions.
  • Staging information may be incomplete or unavailable.
  • Differentiating between primary skin cancers and secondary lesions requires careful review.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary cancer site.
  • Failure to document the metastatic nature of the skin lesions.
  • Misclassification of primary versus secondary skin lesions.
  • Incomplete staging information.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the primary cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known malignancies presenting with new skin lesions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the metastatic nature and any treatments provided.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of skin lesions, including size, location, and appearance.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of skin lesions in patients with a history of cancer.

Billing Considerations

Differentiation between primary skin cancers and metastatic lesions is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C79.2 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C79
  • 2 should be used when there is clear documentation of skin lesions that are confirmed to be metastatic from a known primary cancer
  • Coders must ensure that the primary site is documented and that the metastatic nature is explicitly stated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C79.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11100CPT Code

Biopsy of skin, excisional

Clinical Scenario

Used when a skin lesion is biopsied to confirm metastatic disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document the location, size, and appearance of the lesion.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology specialists should ensure the primary cancer history is noted.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.2 provides a clear distinction for coders to identify metastatic skin lesions, enhancing patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of secondary malignancies, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C79.2 provides a clear distinction for coders to identify metastatic skin lesions, enhancing patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 primary and secondary malignant neoplasms of the skin?

Primary malignant neoplasms originate in the skin itself, while secondary malignant neoplasms are metastatic lesions that have spread to the skin from another primary cancer site.