ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code D03.22: Melanoma in situ of left ear and external auricular canal
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Neoplasms (C00-D49).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents melanoma in situ of left ear and external auricular canal in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
2Neoplasms (C00-D49)
block
D00-D09In situ neoplasms
category
D03Melanoma in situ
category
D03.2Melanoma in situ of ear and external auricular canal
currentD03.2
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
OncologistGeneral PhysicianENT Specialist
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 17315high
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ALL GROSS TUMOR, SURGICAL EXCISION OF TISSUE SPECIMENS, MAPPING, COLOR CODING OF SPECIMENS, MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SPECIMENS BY THE SURGEON, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC PREPARATION INCLUDING ROUTINE STAIN(S) (EG, HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN, TOLUIDINE BLUE), EACH ADDITIONAL BLOCK AFTER THE FIRST 5 TISSUE BLOCKS, ANY STAGE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 17312high
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ALL GROSS TUMOR, SURGICAL EXCISION OF TISSUE SPECIMENS, MAPPING, COLOR CODING OF SPECIMENS, MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SPECIMENS BY THE SURGEON, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC PREPARATION INCLUDING ROUTINE STAIN(S) (EG, HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN, TOLUIDINE BLUE), HEAD, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA, OR ANY LOCATION WITH SURGERY DIRECTLY INVOLVING MUSCLE, CARTILAGE, BONE, TENDON, MAJOR NERVES, OR VESSELS; EACH ADDITIONAL STAGE AFTER THE FIRST STAGE, UP TO 5 TISSUE BLOCKS (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 17311high
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ALL GROSS TUMOR, SURGICAL EXCISION OF TISSUE SPECIMENS, MAPPING, COLOR CODING OF SPECIMENS, MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SPECIMENS BY THE SURGEON, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC PREPARATION INCLUDING ROUTINE STAIN(S) (EG, HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN, TOLUIDINE BLUE), HEAD, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA, OR ANY LOCATION WITH SURGERY DIRECTLY INVOLVING MUSCLE, CARTILAGE, BONE, TENDON, MAJOR NERVES, OR VESSELS; FIRST STAGE, UP TO 5 TISSUE BLOCKS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 17314high
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ALL GROSS TUMOR, SURGICAL EXCISION OF TISSUE SPECIMENS, MAPPING, COLOR CODING OF SPECIMENS, MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SPECIMENS BY THE SURGEON, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC PREPARATION INCLUDING ROUTINE STAIN(S) (EG, HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN, TOLUIDINE BLUE), OF THE TRUNK, ARMS, OR LEGS; EACH ADDITIONAL STAGE AFTER THE FIRST STAGE, UP TO 5 TISSUE BLOCKS (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 17313high
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ALL GROSS TUMOR, SURGICAL EXCISION OF TISSUE SPECIMENS, MAPPING, COLOR CODING OF SPECIMENS, MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SPECIMENS BY THE SURGEON, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC PREPARATION INCLUDING ROUTINE STAIN(S) (EG, HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN, TOLUIDINE BLUE), OF THE TRUNK, ARMS, OR LEGS; FIRST STAGE, UP TO 5 TISSUE BLOCKS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 81210high
BRAF (B-RAF PROTO-ONCOGENE, SERINE/THREONINE KINASE) (EG, COLON CANCER, MELANOMA), GENE ANALYSIS, V600 VARIANT(S)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Coding guidelines
Common synonyms
Melanoma in situ of left ear and external auricular canal
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.