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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD03.52

D03.52

Billable

Melanoma in situ of breast (skin) (soft tissue)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D03.52 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of melanoma in situ of breast (skin) (soft tissue).

Key Diagnostic Point:

Melanoma in situ of the breast refers to a localized form of melanoma that has not invaded deeper tissues or metastasized. This condition is characterized by the presence of atypical melanocytes confined to the epidermis, which can be detected through skin examinations and biopsies. Melanoma in situ is often asymptomatic and may present as a pigmented lesion or a change in an existing mole. Early detection is crucial, as the risk of progression to invasive melanoma increases if left untreated. Surveillance protocols typically involve regular dermatological examinations, patient education on self-examination techniques, and monitoring for changes in skin lesions. The prognosis for melanoma in situ is generally favorable, with a high cure rate when treated appropriately. However, patients with a history of melanoma in situ require ongoing surveillance due to the potential for recurrence or development of new primary melanomas.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between in situ and invasive melanoma
  • Understanding the nuances of skin vs. soft tissue coding
  • Documentation requirements for biopsy results
  • Need for precise staging and grading information

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of biopsy results
  • Failure to specify the location of the melanoma
  • Misclassification of in situ vs. invasive melanoma
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for surveillance

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of lesions, biopsy results, and follow-up plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Skin examinations, biopsy of suspicious lesions, and management of melanoma in situ.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of lesion characteristics and patient history to support coding.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, staging information, and follow-up care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of melanoma patients, including surgical interventions and surveillance protocols.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of treatment modalities and monitoring for recurrence is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D03.52 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, D03
  • 52 should be used when melanoma is confirmed as in situ and specifically located in the breast skin or soft tissue

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D03.52 When
  • Exclusions include invasive melanoma codes and other skin conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising melanoma in situ from the breast.

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes detailing the size and location of the lesion.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology and oncology must coordinate on excision and follow-up care.

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 the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of melanoma in situ, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research outcomes.

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 tissues, while invasive melanoma has penetrated beyond the epidermis into the dermis or deeper layers.