Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of skin

This code signifies a patient encounter specifically for the purpose of detecting early signs of skin cancer in individuals who do not currently exhibit symptoms or have a known diagnosis. It covers proactive examinations aimed at identifying suspicious lesions or changes that may indicate malignancy.

Apply this code when a patient presents for a routine skin check or mole mapping as a preventative measure, without any specific concerns or findings of a suspicious lesion at the time of the visit. This includes annual full-body skin exams performed as part of a general health screening.

• Do not use this code if the patient presents with a specific, pre-existing suspicious lesion or a confirmed diagnosis of skin cancer.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when screening is the sole reason for the encounter.
• If a suspicious lesion is identified during the screening, code the finding (e.g., R21 for rash and other nonspecific skin eruption) in addition to the screening code, with the screening code typically listed first.