Malignant melanoma of unspecified lower limb, including hip

This diagnosis code signifies a cancerous tumor originating from melanocytes, located on an unspecified part of the lower extremity, which includes the hip region. It indicates a primary malignant melanoma where the specific anatomical site on the lower limb has not been documented.

Apply this code when medical record documentation confirms a diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the lower limb, but the precise location (e.g., thigh, calf, foot) is not specified. This code is appropriate when the physician's notes indicate "malignant melanoma of lower extremity" without further detail.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific anatomical site on the lower limb (e.g., C43.71 for right lower limb, C43.72 for left lower limb, or a more granular subsite) is documented.
• Always seek clarification from the provider if the documentation is ambiguous regarding laterality or specific subsite to allow for more precise coding.
• This code should be sequenced as the primary diagnosis when the melanoma is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a co-morbidity.