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Z85.820
ICD-10-CM
History of Malignant Melanoma

Find comprehensive information on coding and documenting a history of malignant melanoma. This resource covers clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (C43, Z85.82), melanoma staging, SNOMED CT concepts, and best practices for accurate medical record keeping related to a patient's past diagnosis of melanoma. Learn about appropriate terminology for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical coders, to ensure proper diagnosis reporting and care management for patients with a history of malignant melanoma.

Also known as

Past Malignant Melanoma
Resolved Malignant Melanoma

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Prior diagnosis of invasive melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
  • Clinical Signs : Often no signs if previously treated, but may include changes in existing moles or new pigmented lesions.
  • Common Settings : Dermatology, oncology, primary care follow-up for surveillance and recurrence checks.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z85.820 Coding
Z85.820

Personal history of malignant melanoma

Personal history of melanoma of skin.

C43.9

Malignant melanoma, unspecified

Melanoma of skin, unspecified site, if used with Z85.820

C44.9

Other malignant neoplasm of skin

Other specified melanomas, to be used with Z85.820

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the melanoma currently active?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Malignant Melanoma
Atypical Melanocytic Nevus
Melanoma in situ

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document melanoma site, size, morphology.
  • Record Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitoses.
  • Note sentinel lymph node biopsy results.
  • Detail clinical stage (TNM) based on AJCC.
  • Document any prior melanoma history, treatment.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding Z85.82 without specifying the original melanoma site if known creates documentation and billing risks.

  • Active vs. History

    Incorrectly coding active melanoma (C43.-) instead of history (Z85.82) leads to overcoding and compliance issues.

  • In Situ Confusion

    Miscoding melanoma in situ (D03.90) as history of invasive melanoma can impact quality reporting and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document melanoma specifics: site, stage, thickness.
  • Code accurately using ICD-10-CM: C43.x, Z85.828
  • For history, confirm date of diagnosis and treatment.
  • Ensure complete staging info for accurate risk assessment.
  • Regular skin exams vital for early detection, recurrence monitoring.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm melanoma diagnosis: documented pathology report
  • Verify site, laterality, and date of original melanoma
  • Check Breslow depth, ulceration, and mitotic rate
  • Document presence/absence of lymph node involvement
  • Assess distant metastasis: imaging and clinical findings

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • **Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: History of Malignant Melanoma**
  • **Keywords:** Malignant melanoma diagnosis, ICD-10 Z85.82, medical billing, coding accuracy, hospital reporting, risk adjustment, HCC, RAF, quality measures, reimbursement impact, clinical documentation improvement
  • **Impacts:**
  • Increased reimbursement through accurate HCC coding (Z85.82)
  • Improved RAF scores impacting risk-adjusted payments
  • Enhanced quality reporting for skin cancer surveillance
  • Facilitates appropriate patient care and follow-up

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code C43 for melanoma
  • Document Breslow depth
  • Specify site, laterality
  • Note ulceration if present
  • Check for mets, stage correctly

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of malignant melanoma.  Initial diagnosis date was documented as [Date of Initial Diagnosis].  The primary site of the original melanoma was [Location of Primary Melanoma] with a Breslow thickness of [Breslow Thickness] mm, Clark level [Clark Level], and [Presence or Absence] of ulceration.  [Positive or Negative] sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed on [Date of Sentinel Node Biopsy], revealing [Number] positive nodes out of [Total Number] examined.  The original melanoma was staged as [Stage of Melanoma] according to the AJCC staging system.  Treatment for the initial melanoma included [Treatment Modalities, e.g., wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, adjuvant therapy]. The patient is currently [Asymptomatic or Symptomatic] with [Description of Current Symptoms, if any].  Physical examination revealed [Findings on Physical Exam, including any suspicious lesions with size, color, and location].  Patient reports [Patient-reported concerns or symptoms related to potential recurrence].  Differential diagnoses considered include [Differential Diagnoses].  Plan includes [Plan of Care, e.g., full skin examination, imaging studies, biopsy, referral to oncology].  Melanoma recurrence, skin cancer screening, dermatologic oncology, and sentinel lymph node mapping were discussed with the patient.  Patient education provided on sun protection and skin self-examination.  Follow-up scheduled in [Follow-up Interval].