ICD-10 Coding for Metastatic Melanoma(C79.5, C78.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Metastatic Melanoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Metastatic 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C79.5 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone | Use when melanoma has metastasized to bone, confirmed by imaging or biopsy. |
|
| C78.7 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct | Use when melanoma has metastasized to the liver, confirmed by imaging or biopsy. |
|
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 melanoma
Essential facts and insights about Metastatic Melanoma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for metastatic melanoma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed bone metastasis via imaging or biopsy
documentation Criteria
- Detailed site of metastasis in clinical notes
Applicable To
- Bone metastasis from melanoma
Excludes
- Primary bone cancer
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging confirming bone metastasis
- Biopsy showing metastatic melanoma in bone
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if primary site is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the metastatic site and confirms diagnosis.
C78.7 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
Use when melanoma has metastasized to the liver, confirmed by imaging or biopsy.
Applicable To
- Liver metastasis from melanoma
Excludes
- Primary liver cancer
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging confirming liver metastasis
- Biopsy showing metastatic melanoma in liver
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the metastatic site and confirms diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of malignant melanoma of skin
Z85.820Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Metastatic Melanoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C79.5.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Always document primary status, Use history codes if primary is excised
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Use secondary codes (C79._) for metastasis and Z85.820 if primary is excised.
Impact
Incorrect sequencing of primary and secondary codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on proper sequencing rules.
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 Melanoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Metastatic Melanoma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Metastatic Melanoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Metastatic melanoma to bone
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Primary melanoma status
- Metastatic site confirmation
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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