tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2010 Issue 16

READER QUESTIONS: Clarify 'Other' Code for Merkel Cell

Question: When the surgeon excises a skin lesion and the pathology report returns as Merkel cell carcinoma, we've always reported 173.x (Other malignant neoplasm of skin). I've heard there is a new ICD-9 code for this condition -- what is the proper code? Georgia Subscriber Answer: ICD-9 provides six new codes specific for Merkel cell carcinoma based on body site: • 209.31 -- Merkel cell carcinoma of the face • 209.32 -- ... of the scalp and neck • 209.33 -- ... of the upper limb • 209.34 -- ... of the lower limb • 209.35 ...

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