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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD17.20

D17.20

Billable

Benign lipomatous neoplasm of skin and subcutaneous tissue of unspecified limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D17.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign lipomatous neoplasm of skin and subcutaneous tissue of unspecified limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D17.20 refers to a benign lipomatous neoplasm, commonly known as a lipoma, located in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of an unspecified limb. Lipomas are soft, movable lumps that are typically painless and composed of adipose (fat) tissue. They can vary in size and may occur anywhere on the body, but are most frequently found on the trunk, arms, and thighs. While lipomas are benign and generally do not pose a health risk, they can cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns depending on their size and location. Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be utilized to assess the neoplasm's characteristics. Surgical excision is often performed if the lipoma is symptomatic or for cosmetic reasons. Regular surveillance is not typically required unless there are changes in the lipoma's characteristics, which could warrant further investigation to rule out malignancy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Simple diagnosis with clear clinical presentation
  • Well-defined coding guidelines
  • Low likelihood of complications or comorbidities
  • Standard treatment protocols

Audit Risk Factors

  • Incorrect coding of laterality
  • Misidentification of benign vs. malignant neoplasms
  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to document size and location

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the lesion, including size, location, and symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of a patient presenting with a painless lump on the arm or leg.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the diagnosis is clearly documented as benign to avoid confusion with malignant neoplasms.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing excision procedures and pathology results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of a lipoma for cosmetic reasons or discomfort.

Billing Considerations

Document the reason for surgery and any findings during the procedure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D17.20 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding benign neoplasms
  • Ensure accurate documentation of the neoplasm's characteristics and location

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D17.20 When
  • Exclude codes for malignant neoplasms and other skin conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when a lipoma is surgically excised.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and pathology results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the excision is documented as benign to support the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

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 a lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fat tissue, typically soft and movable, and usually painless.

How is a lipoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily through physical examination, and imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

When should a lipoma be excised?

Surgical excision is recommended if the lipoma is symptomatic, growing, or for cosmetic reasons.