December 15, 2016
Question:
What diagnosis code do we use when we are reconstructing a defect after the Moh’s surgeon, or someone else removed the cancer? When I try to crosswalk the ICD-9-CM open wound code I used to something in ICD-10-CM, it takes me to an S code which is strange because the open wound is not the result of an injury or trauma.
Answer:
Good question! Technically, you would not use a cancer diagnosis code since you are not treating cancer (the Moh’s surgeon treated the cancer by excising it). Your diagnosis codes, as the surgeon treating an open wound/resulting defect resulting from cancer resection are:
- Z48.1 Encounter for planned postprocedural wound closure, and
2. Z42.8 Encounter for other plastic and reconstructive surgery following medical procedure, and
3. Personal history of neoplasm code (e.g., skin Z85.82-, melanoma Z85.820). If the reconstruction occurs on the same day as the cancer removal, then the C code for malignant neoplasm can be substituted for the Z85.- code.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/15/16.
