D03.70

Billable

Melanoma in situ of unspecified lower limb, including hip

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 23 — Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

0.251

V24HCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.150

ESRDHCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.000

RxHCCHCC 22 — Cancer, Other Specified Sites

0.000

What This Code Means

Early-stage melanoma confined to the skin surface on a lower limb or hip area when the specific side (right or left) is not documented.

Coding Tips

•Use this code only when laterality is not specified; if right or left is documented, use more specific codes instead
•Always attempt to determine which leg/hip is affected and document for proper treatment planning

Clinical Significance

Melanoma in situ of an unspecified lower limb including hip represents early melanocytic malignancy confined to the epidermis of the leg, thigh, foot, or hip region when laterality is not documented. The lower extremities are common melanoma sites, particularly in women. Detection at the in situ stage allows curative excision without the risks associated with invasive disease.

Documentation Requirements

✓Biopsy-confirmed melanoma in situ of the lower limb.
✓Laterality should always be documented to allow use of D03.71 (right) or D03.72 (left).
✓Specify the exact location on the lower extremity (hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, foot) and document margin status and follow-up plan.

Commonly Confused Codes

D03.71 (right lower limb) and D03.72 (left lower limb) are preferred when laterality is documented D03.60 (unspecified upper limb) is for arm locations C43.70-C43.72 (invasive melanoma of lower limb) indicate dermal invasion.

Code Hierarchy

└D03Melanoma in situ └D03.7Melanoma in situ of lower limb, including hip └D03.70Melanoma in situ of unspecified lower limb, including hip

└D03.70Melanoma in situ of unspecified lower limb, including hip