Question

When coding benign neoplasm of the skin, the section noted above directs the coder to:

D23- Other benign neoplasms of skin
Includes:
--Benign neoplasm of hair follicles
--Benign neoplasm of sebaceous glands
--Benign neoplasm of sweat glands
Excludes 1:
--Benign lipomatous neoplasms of skin (D17.0-D17.3)
--Melanocytic nevi (D22.-)

a. Use category D23 for benign neoplasm of sweat glands
b. Use category D23 for melanocytic nevi
c. Use category D23 for benign lipomatous neoplasms of skin
d. Use category D23 for malignant neoplasm of the skin

Answer 1

According to the provided guidelines, category D23 should be used for benign neoplasm of sweat glands. The correct option is a. Use category D23 for benign neoplasm of sweat glands.

Step-by-step explanation:

When coding a benign neoplasm of the skin, specific directions are given in the coding guidelines which help determine the correct code to use. According to the information provided, category D23 should be used for benign neoplasm of sweat glands. This category includes benign neoplasms of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, among others.

It is important to note that category D23 excludes melanocytic nevi (D22.-) and benign lipomatous neoplasms of the skin (D17.0-D17.3). Therefore, option a, which advises using category D23 for benign neoplasm of sweat glands, is the correct selection. Options b and c are incorrect as they are expressly excluded from this category, and option d is incorrect because D23 is used for benign neoplasms, not malignant ones.