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ICD-10 Code D48.5: Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin

D48.5 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. 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).

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 neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin 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
D37-D48Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes
category
D48Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other and unspecified sites
currentD48

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of anal margin
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of anal skin
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of perianal skin
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin of breast
Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • neoplasm of uncertain behavior of anus NOS (D37.8)
  • neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin of genital organs (D39.8, D40.8)
  • neoplasm of uncertain behavior of vermilion border of lip (D37.0)

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 PhysicianDermatologist

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 11420high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 0.5 CM OR LESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11421high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 0.6 TO 1.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11422high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 1.1 TO 2.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11423high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 2.1 TO 3.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11424high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 3.1 TO 4.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11426high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER OVER 4.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
D48.5

Common synonyms

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeD48.5
SystemICD10
Display nameNeoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin
ChapterNeoplasms (C00-D49)
BlockNeoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
NevusNevusTumor
See also
Neoplasm, skin, uncertain behavior

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.