ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code D48.5: Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin
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
Related codes
D48.0Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of bone and articular cartilagecodeD48.1Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissuecategoryD48.2Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous systemcodeD48.3Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of retroperitoneumcodeD48.4Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of peritoneumcodeD48.6Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of breastcategoryD48.7Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other specified sitescodeD48.9Neoplasm of uncertain behavior, unspecifiedcode
Sibling codes
D48.0Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of bone and articular cartilagebillableD48.1Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissueD48.2Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous systembillableD48.3Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of retroperitoneumbillableD48.4Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of peritoneumbillableD48.6Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of breastD48.7Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other specified sitesbillableD48.9Neoplasm of uncertain behavior, unspecifiedbillable
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
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 448707007high
Abdominal wall tumor
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 254747004high
Aggressive fibromatosis of skin
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 240545008high
Anogenital papillomaviral intraepithelial neoplasia
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 254729005high
Apudoma of skin
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 351841000119101high
Atypical fibroxanthoma of skin of neck
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 351851000119104high
Atypical fibroxanthoma of skin of scalp
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
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
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.