ICD-10 Code for Personal History of Melanoma
The ICD-10 code for personal history of malignant melanoma is Z85.820.
This code is used when a patient has a documented history of melanoma that has been previously treated or excised, and the melanoma is no longer present. This is distinct from active melanoma, which would be coded under the C43 series (malignant melanoma of skin) or other specific anatomical site codes.
Clinical Context and Importance
Proper coding of melanoma history is clinically significant because patients with a previous melanoma are at moderately increased risk for developing subsequent melanomas and require ongoing surveillance. 1
Key Documentation Requirements
When using Z85.820, the medical record should ideally document:
- Original melanoma characteristics: Breslow thickness, anatomical location, and stage at diagnosis are important prognostic factors that guide surveillance intensity 1, 2
- Treatment received: Whether wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or adjuvant therapy was performed 1
- Date of diagnosis and completion of treatment: This establishes the timeline for follow-up protocols 1
Surveillance Implications Based on Original Stage
The history code triggers specific follow-up protocols that vary by original melanoma stage 1:
- Stage IA melanoma history: Patients should have been seen 2-4 times over 12 months, then discharged from routine surveillance 1
- Stage IB-IIIA melanoma history: 3-monthly visits for 3 years, then 6-monthly to 5 years 1
- Stage IIIB/IIIC or resected stage IV history: 3-monthly for 3 years, 6-monthly to 5 years, then annually to 10 years 1
Common Coding Pitfalls
Do not use Z85.820 if the patient currently has active melanoma, recurrent disease, or metastatic melanoma—these require active disease codes (C43.x series or C79.81 for secondary melanoma). 1
Patients with melanoma in situ history may be coded differently (Z86.007 for personal history of in situ neoplasm of skin), though clinical practice varies. 1
Risk Stratification Value
This history code identifies patients who require patient education on self-examination and sun protection, as they remain at elevated risk for developing new primary melanomas throughout their lifetime. 1
The code also flags patients who may benefit from referral to clinical genetics if they develop multiple primary melanomas or have a strong family history (≥3 affected relatives). 1