C43.20
Billable codeMalignant melanoma of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
The ICD-10 code for malignant melanoma of unspecified ear and external auricular canal is C43.20.
Documentation support
General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.
- •This code describes an unspecified presentation. If the medical record documents a more specific detail (e.g. laterality, type, or affected site), a more specific sibling code should be used instead — see Related codes below.
- •Laterality-specific codes exist for this condition — confirm the affected side is documented.
- •As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.
Related codes in this category
- C43.21Malignant melanoma of right ear and external auricular canal
- C43.22Malignant melanoma of left ear and external auricular canal
- C43.20Malignant melanoma of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
ICD-9-CM equivalent
Informational only — GEM mappings are approximate, not guaranteed one-to-one equivalents. Verify before use in billing.
- 1722Approximate match
Associated MS-DRGs
C43.20 can serve as the principal diagnosis for these Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups.
Informational only — actual DRG assignment also depends on procedures, complications/comorbidities (CC/MCC), discharge status, and payer-specific rules not reflected here.
- DRG 564Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC
- DRG 565Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC
- DRG 566Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC
- DRG 595Major Skin Disorders with MCC
- DRG 596Major Skin Disorders without MCC