ICD-10 Coding for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma(C79.2, C79.51, C43.71)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Metastatic Malignant Melanoma
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C79.2 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of skin | Use when melanoma has metastasized to the skin from another primary site. |
|
| C79.51 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone | Use when melanoma has metastasized to the bone. |
|
| C43.71 | Malignant melanoma of right forearm | Use for primary melanoma located on the right forearm. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for metastatic malignant melanoma
Essential facts and insights about Metastatic Malignant Melanoma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for metastatic malignant melanoma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed metastasis to skin from melanoma
Applicable To
- Metastatic melanoma of skin
Excludes
- Primary malignant melanoma of skin (C43.xx)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histopathological confirmation of metastatic melanoma in skin
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure primary site is documented to avoid incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies metastatic nature and primary site.
C79.51 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone
Use when melanoma has metastasized to the bone.
Applicable To
- Metastatic melanoma of bone
Excludes
- Primary bone cancer
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging or biopsy confirmation of bone metastasis
Coding Notes
Document primary site and metastatic confirmation.
C43.71 - Malignant melanoma of right forearm
Use for primary melanoma located on the right forearm.
Applicable To
- Primary cutaneous melanoma of right forearm
Excludes
- Metastatic melanoma of forearm
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histopathological confirmation of melanoma in the forearm
Coding Notes
Specify laterality and site in documentation.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Metastatic Malignant Melanoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C79.2.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to vague clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document specific sites and laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure laterality is documented for all primary melanoma sites.
Impact
Using C80.1 without attempting to identify primary site.
Mitigation Strategy
Query for primary site details if not documented.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Metastatic melanoma treatment
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Primary site documentation
- Metastatic site confirmation
- Treatment regimen
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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