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ICD-10 Coding for Lipoma(D17.30, D17.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lipoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Benign Fatty TumorFatty Lump

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lipoma

D17.0-D17.9Primary Range

Benign lipomatous neoplasms

This range covers all benign lipomatous neoplasms, including lipomas of various body sites.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D17.30Benign lipomatous neoplasm of unspecified siteUse when the specific site of the lipoma is not documented.
  • Pathology report confirming benign lipoma
  • Imaging showing homogeneous fat signal
D17.0Benign lipomatous neoplasm of skin and subcutaneous tissue of head, face and neckUse for lipomas located on the head, face, or neck.
  • Pathology report confirming benign lipoma
  • Imaging showing homogeneous fat signal

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 lipoma

Essential facts and insights about Lipoma

The ICD-10 code for a lipoma varies by location: D17.30 for unspecified sites, D17.0 for head/neck, and D17.1 for trunk.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lipoma

Benign lipomatous neoplasm of unspecified site
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Site of lipoma is unspecified in the medical record.

Applicable To

  • Lipoma NOS

Excludes

  • Atypical lipomatous tumor (D48.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming benign lipoma
  • Imaging showing homogeneous fat signal

Code-Specific Risks

  • Potential under-coding if site is known but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'benign' to avoid confusion with malignant neoplasms.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Atypical lipomatous tumor

D48.1
Use D48.1 for lipomatous tumors with atypical features or rapid growth.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lipoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D17.30.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: May result in coding audits., Financial: Potential underpayment for services.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for site details, Use specific site codes when available

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to underpayment., Compliance: May result in audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies depth (subcutaneous vs. subfascial) to select appropriate CPT code.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when site-specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation reviews to ensure site specificity.

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 Lipoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lipoma

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lipoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Excision of subcutaneous lipoma

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Pre-op diagnosis
  • Post-op diagnosis
  • Procedure details
  • Pathology report

Example Documentation

Pre-op Diagnosis: Palpable mass, right forearm. Post-op Diagnosis: Subfascial lipoma, right forearm (D17.22). Procedure: Incision made over mass; dissection through fascia. 4.2 cm encapsulated fatty tumor excised intact. Hemostasis achieved; layered closure. Pathology Report: Benign lipoma (specimen #456).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lipoma excised from back.
Good Documentation Example
3.5 cm subcutaneous lipoma of mid-back, confirmed benign via pathology (specimen #123).
Explanation
The good example provides specific site, size, and pathology confirmation, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lipoma? Ask your questions below.

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