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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD03.5

D03.5

Billable

Melanoma in situ of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D03.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of melanoma in situ of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Melanoma in situ of the trunk refers to a localized form of melanoma where malignant cells are confined to the epidermis and have not invaded deeper layers of the skin. This condition is characterized by the presence of atypical melanocytes that can be identified through histological examination. Melanoma in situ is often asymptomatic and may present as a changing mole or pigmented lesion on the trunk area, which includes the chest, abdomen, and back. Early detection is crucial as it significantly improves prognosis, with a high cure rate when treated appropriately. Treatment typically involves surgical excision, ensuring clear margins to prevent recurrence. Surveillance protocols post-treatment include regular skin examinations and patient education on self-monitoring for new or changing lesions. The risk of progression to invasive melanoma is a concern, particularly if the lesion is not adequately managed, emphasizing the importance of follow-up care and monitoring.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between melanoma in situ and invasive melanoma
  • Need for precise documentation of lesion characteristics
  • Understanding of staging and treatment protocols
  • Variability in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lesion size and characteristics
  • Failure to document follow-up care and surveillance
  • Misclassification of in situ versus invasive melanoma
  • Lack of clear treatment plans in medical records

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histological findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of melanoma in situ, follow-up care, and patient education.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and treatment outcomes to support coding.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans and follow-up notes detailing patient progress.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of melanoma in situ, including surgical interventions and adjuvant therapies.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with dermatology for accurate staging and treatment documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D03.5 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, D03
  • 5 should be used when the melanoma is confirmed as in situ and localized to the trunk
  • It is essential to document the specific site and characteristics of the lesion

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D03.5 When
  • Exclusions include invasive melanoma codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, face, ears, scalp, neck; excised diameter over 4.0 cm

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a melanoma in situ lesion on the trunk.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and the margins achieved during excision.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure that excision notes clearly indicate the type of lesion and its characteristics.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between melanoma in situ and invasive melanoma?

Melanoma in situ is confined to the epidermis and has not invaded deeper skin layers, while invasive melanoma has penetrated beyond the epidermis into the dermis or deeper tissues, which significantly affects treatment and prognosis.