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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 2: NeoplasmsD17

D17

Billable

Benign lipomatous neoplasm

Chapter 2:Neoplasms

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D17 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign lipomatous neoplasm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Benign lipomatous neoplasms are tumors composed predominantly of adipose (fat) tissue. These neoplasms can occur in various locations throughout the body, including subcutaneous tissues, muscles, and internal organs. They are typically soft, mobile, and painless, often presenting as palpable masses. While most lipomas are asymptomatic and do not require treatment, some may cause discomfort or functional impairment depending on their size and location. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, which help to differentiate them from malignant tumors. Surgical excision is the most common treatment for symptomatic lipomas or those that are cosmetically concerning. Surveillance is generally not required for benign lipomatous neoplasms unless there are changes in size or symptoms, which may warrant further evaluation to rule out malignancy. Overall, the malignant potential of benign lipomatous neoplasms is extremely low, but awareness of atypical presentations is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Clear definition of benign versus malignant neoplasms
  • Standardized diagnostic criteria
  • Limited need for extensive documentation
  • Low variability in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the benign nature of the neoplasm
  • Failure to specify the location of the lipomatous neoplasm
  • Misclassification as malignant due to lack of clear diagnostic criteria
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different specialties

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes including size, location, and histopathology of the excised lipoma.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of symptomatic lipomas or those causing cosmetic concerns.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the benign nature to avoid misclassification.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Clinical notes detailing the appearance, size, and any changes in the lipoma.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of subcutaneous lipomas during routine skin examinations.

Billing Considerations

Document any patient-reported symptoms or concerns regarding the lipoma.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D17 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D17 is used for benign lipomatous neoplasms
  • It is important to document the specific site of the neoplasm and ensure that it is classified as benign

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D17 When
  • Exclusions include malignant neoplasms and other types of tumors

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a lipoma from the skin.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and pathology report confirming benign nature.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the excision is documented as for a benign lesion.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign lipomatous neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign lipomatous neoplasms, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 a lipoma and a malignant tumor?

A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fat cells, typically soft and painless, while malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize.