ICD-9 Code V76.43

Screening for malignant neoplasms of skin

  1. ICD-9 Index
  2. Chapter: E
  3. Section: V70-V82
  4. Block: V76 Special screening for malignant neoplasms
  5. V76.43 - Screen mal neop-skin

Not Valid for Submission

V76.43 is a legacy non-billable code used to specify a medical diagnosis of screening for malignant neoplasms of skin. This code was replaced on September 30, 2015 by its ICD-10 equivalent.

ICD-9: V76.43
Short Description:Screen mal neop-skin
Long Description:Screening for malignant neoplasms of skin

Convert V76.43 to ICD-10

The following crosswalk between ICD-9 to ICD-10 is based based on the General Equivalence Mappings (GEMS) information:

  • Z12.83 - Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of skin

Code Classification

  • Supplementary classification of factors influencing health status and contact with health services (E)
    • Persons without reported diagnosis encountered during examination and investigation of individuals and populations (V70-V82)
      • V76 Special screening for malignant neoplasms

Information for Medical Professionals

Index to Diseases and Injuries

References found for the code V76.43 in the Index of Diseases and Injuries:

    • Screening for V82.9
      • malignant neoplasm of V76.9
        • skin V76.43

Information for Patients


Skin Cancer Screening

What is a skin cancer screening?

A skin cancer screening is a visual exam of the skin that can be done by yourself or a health care provider. The screening checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other marks that are unusual in color, size, shape, or texture. Certain unusual marks may be signs of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. These cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body and are usually curable with treatment. A third type of skin cancer is called melanoma. Melanoma is less common than the other two, but more dangerous because it's more likely to spread. Most skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma.

A skin cancer screening can help find cancer in its earlier stages when it's easier to treat.

Other names: skin exam

What is it used for?

A skin cancer screening is used to look for signs of skin cancer. It is not used to diagnose cancer. If skin cancer is suspected after a screening, a test called a biopsy will be needed to find out whether you have cancer.

Why do I need a skin cancer screening?

You may need a skin cancer screening if you have certain risk factors. Risk factors for skin cancer include having:

  • Light skin tone
  • Blond or red hair
  • Light colored eyes (blue or green)
  • Skin that burns and/or freckles easily
  • History of sunburns
  • Family and/or personal history of skin cancer
  • Frequent exposure to the sun through work or leisure activities
  • Large number of moles

Talk to your health provider about whether you should regularly screen yourself, get screened at a provider's office, or do both.

If you are screening yourself, you may need to get screened by a health care provider if you find signs of skin cancer during a self-exam. Signs vary depending on the type of skin cancer, but they may include a:

  • Change in an existing mole or spot
  • Mole or other skin mark that oozes, bleeds, or becomes crusty
  • Mole that is painful to the touch
  • Sore that doesn't heal within two weeks
  • Shiny pink, red, pearly white, or translucent bump
  • Mole or sore with irregular borders, that may bleed easily

If you are screening yourself, be sure to check for signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. An easy way to remember the signs of melanoma is to think of "ABCDE," which stands for:

  • Asymmetry: The mole has an odd shape, with half of it not matching the other half.
  • Border: The border of the mole is ragged or irregular.
  • Color: The color of the mole is uneven.
  • Diameter: The mole is bigger than the size of a pea or a pencil eraser.
  • Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color.

If you find signs of melanoma, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible.

What happens during a skin cancer screening?

Skin cancer screenings may be done by yourself, your primary care provider, or a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the skin.

If you are screening yourself, you will need to do a head-to-toe exam of your skin. The exam should be done in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. You'll also need a hand mirror to check areas that are hard to see. The exam should include the following steps:

  • Stand in front of the mirror and look at your face, neck, and stomach.
  • Women should look under their breasts.
  • Raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
  • Look at the front and back of your forearms.
  • Look at your hands, including between your fingers and under your fingernails.
  • Look at the front, back, and sides of your legs.
  • Sit down and examine your feet, checking the soles and the spaces between the toes. Also check the nail beds of each toe.
  • Check your back, buttocks, and genitals with the hand mirror.
  • Part your hair and examine your scalp. Use a comb along with a hand mirror to help you see better. It may also help to use a blow dryer to move your hair as you look.

If you are getting screened by a dermatologist or other health care provider, it may include the follow steps:

  • You will remove all your clothing. But you can wear a gown. If you are uncomfortable being undressed in front of your provider, you can ask to have a nurse in the room with you during the exam.
  • Your provider will give you a head-to-toe exam, including your scalp, behind your ears, fingers, toes, buttocks, and genitals. The exam may be embarrassing, but it's important to get checked, as skin cancer can occur anywhere on your skin.
  • Your provider may use a special magnifying glass with a light to look at certain marks.

The exam should take 10-15 minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You should not wear makeup or nail polish. Be sure to wear your hair loose, so your provider can examine your scalp. There are no other special preparations needed.

Are there any risks to the test?

There are no risks to having a skin cancer screening.

What do the results mean?

If a mole or other mark on your skin looks like it might be a sign of cancer, your provider will probably order another test, called a skin biopsy, to make a diagnosis. A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, you can begin treatment. Finding and treating cancer early may help prevent the disease from spreading.

Is there anything else I need to know about a skin cancer screening?

Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun plays a major role in causing skin cancer. You are exposed to these rays anytime you are out in the sun, not just when you are at the beach or pool. But you can limit your sun exposure and help reduce your risk of skin cancer if you take a few simple precautions when out in the sun. These include:

  • Using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
  • Seeking shade when possible
  • Wearing a hat and sunglasses

Sunbathing also increases your risk of skin cancer. You should avoid outdoor sunbathing and never use an indoor tanning salon. There is no safe amount of exposure to artificial tanning beds, sunlamps, or other artificial tanning devices.

If you have questions about reducing your risk of skin cancer, talk to your health care provider.

References

  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association [Internet]. Des Plaines (IL): American Academy of Dermatology; c2018. What to expect at a SPOTme® skin cancer screening; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/screenings/what-to-expect-at-a-screening
  2. American Cancer Society [Internet]. Atlanta: American Cancer Society Inc.; c2018. How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays?; [updated 2017 May 22; cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html
  3. American Cancer Society [Internet]. Atlanta: American Cancer Society Inc.; c2018. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection.html
  4. American Cancer Society [Internet]. Atlanta: American Cancer Society Inc.; c2018. Skin Exams; [updated 2018 Jan 5; cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/skin-exams.html
  5. American Cancer Society [Internet]. Atlanta: American Cancer Society Inc.; c2018. What Is Skin Cancer?; [updated 2017 Apr 19; cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/what-is-skin-cancer.html
  6. Cancer.net [Internet]. Alexandria (VA): American Society of Clinical Oncology; c2005–2018. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Risk Factors and Prevention; 2018 Jan [cited 2018 Nov 2]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/skin-cancer-non-melanoma/risk-factors-and-prevention
  7. Cancer.net [Internet]. Alexandria (VA): American Society of Clinical Oncology; c2005–2018. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Screening; 2018 Jan [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/skin-cancer-non-melanoma/screening
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?; [updated 2018 Jun 26; cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; What is Skin Cancer?; [updated 2018 Jun 26; cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/what-is-skin-cancer.htm
  10. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2018. Melanoma: Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis: Skin cancer screening; 2016 Jan 28 [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374888
  11. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2018. Melanoma: Symptoms and causes: Overview; 2016 Jan 28 [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884
  12. Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c2018. Overview of Skin Cancer; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/skin-cancers/overview-of-skin-cancer
  13. National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Skin Cancer; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-screening-pdq#section/_5
  14. National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: Skin Cancer Screening; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-screening-pdq#section/_17
  15. National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: What is Screening?; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-screening-pdq
  16. Skin Cancer Foundation [Internet]. New York: The Skin Cancer Foundation; c2018. Ask the Expert: What does a full body exam entail?; 2013 Nov 21 [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/body-exams
  17. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2018. Health Encyclopedia: Skin Self-Examination; [cited 2018 Oct 16]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P01342

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ICD-9 Footnotes

General Equivalence Map Definitions
The ICD-9 and ICD-10 GEMs are used to facilitate linking between the diagnosis codes in ICD-9-CM and the new ICD-10-CM code set. The GEMs are the raw material from which providers, health information vendors and payers can derive specific applied mappings to meet their needs.

  • Approximate Flag - The approximate flag is on, indicating that the relationship between the code in the source system and the code in the target system is an approximate equivalent.
  • No Map Flag - The no map flag indicates that a code in the source system is not linked to any code in the target system.
  • Combination Flag - The combination flag indicates that more than one code in the target system is required to satisfy the full equivalent meaning of a code in the source system.

Index of Diseases and Injuries Definitions

  • And - The word "and" should be interpreted to mean either "and" or "or" when it appears in a title.
  • Code also note - A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
  • Code first - Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
  • Type 1 Excludes Notes - A type 1 Excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • Type 2 Excludes Notes - A type 2 Excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • Includes Notes - This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • Inclusion terms - List of terms is included under some codes. These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
  • NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable" - This abbreviation in the Alphabetic Index represents "other specified". When a specific code is not available for a condition, the Alphabetic Index directs the coder to the "other specified” code in the Tabular List.
  • NOS "Not otherwise specified" - This abbreviation is the equivalent of unspecified.
  • See - The "see" instruction following a main term in the Alphabetic Index indicates that another term should be referenced. It is necessary to go to the main term referenced with the "see" note to locate the correct code.
  • See Also - A "see also" instruction following a main term in the Alphabetic Index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional Alphabetic Index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the "see also" note when the original main term provides the necessary code.
  • 7th Characters - Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
  • With - The word "with" should be interpreted to mean "associated with" or "due to" when it appears in a code title, the Alphabetic Index, or an instructional note in the Tabular List. The word "with" in the Alphabetic Index is sequenced immediately following the main term, not in alphabetical order.

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