C43-C44
Medium Complexity
Melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skin
Primary Specialty: Dermatology
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (147)
147 billable0 category headers
C44Billable
C44.0Billable
C44.00Billable
C44.01Billable
C44.02Billable
C44.09Billable
C44.1Billable
C44.10Billable
C44.101Billable
C44.102Billable
C44.1021Billable
C44.1022Billable
C44.109Billable
C44.1091Billable
C44.1092Billable
C44.11Billable
C44.111Billable
C44.112Billable
C44.1121Billable
C44.1122Billable
C44.119Billable
C44.1191Billable
C44.1192Billable
C44.12Billable
C44.121Billable
C44.122Billable
C44.1221Billable
C44.1222Billable
C44.129Billable
C44.1291Billable
C44.1292Billable
C44.13Billable
C44.131Billable
C44.132Billable
C44.1321Billable
C44.1322Billable
C44.139Billable
C44.1391Billable
C44.1392Billable
C44.19Billable
C44.191Billable
C44.192Billable
C44.1921Billable
C44.1922Billable
C44.199Billable
C44.1991Billable
C44.1992Billable
C44.2Billable
C44.20Billable
C44.201Billable
C44.202Billable
C44.209Billable
C44.21Billable
C44.211Billable
C44.212Billable
C44.219Billable
C44.22Billable
C44.221Billable
C44.222Billable
C44.229Billable
C44.29Billable
C44.291Billable
C44.292Billable
C44.299Billable
C44.3Billable
C44.30Billable
C44.300Billable
C44.301Billable
C44.309Billable
C44.31Billable
C44.310Billable
C44.311Billable
C44.319Billable
C44.32Billable
C44.320Billable
C44.321Billable
C44.329Billable
C44.39Billable
C44.390Billable
C44.391Billable
C44.399Billable
C44.4Billable
C44.40Billable
C44.41Billable
C44.42Billable
C44.49Billable
C44.5Billable
C44.50Billable
C44.500Billable
C44.501Billable
C44.509Billable
C44.51Billable
C44.510Billable
C44.511Billable
C44.519Billable
C44.52Billable
C44.520Billable
C44.521Billable
C44.529Billable
C44.59Billable
C44.590Billable
C44.591Billable
C44.599Billable
C44.6Billable
C44.60Billable
C44.601Billable
C44.602Billable
C44.609Billable
C44.61Billable
C44.611Billable
C44.612Billable
C44.619Billable
C44.62Billable
C44.621Billable
C44.622Billable
C44.629Billable
C44.69Billable
C44.691Billable
C44.692Billable
C44.699Billable
C44.7Billable
C44.70Billable
C44.701Billable
C44.702Billable
C44.709Billable
C44.71Billable
C44.711Billable
C44.712Billable
C44.719Billable
C44.72Billable
C44.721Billable
C44.722Billable
C44.729Billable
C44.79Billable
C44.791Billable
C44.792Billable
C44.799Billable
C44.8Billable
C44.80Billable
C44.81Billable
C44.82Billable
C44.89Billable
C44.9Billable
C44.90Billable
C44.91Billable
C44.92Billable
C44.99Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (2)
C02.9
Malignant neoplasm of tongue, unspecified, HPV-positive
C10.8
Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of oropharynx, HPV-positive
Revised Codes (2)
C01
Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue - updated to include HPV status when known
C09.9
Malignant neoplasm of tonsil, unspecified - enhanced molecular classification
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for C43-C44 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range C43-C44 covers Melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skin. These codes are used to document various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and others. The codes also account for the location of the neoplasm and its behavior (in situ, malignant, benign, uncertain, etc.).
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code for the highest level of specificity, including the type of skin cancer and its location.
- •Use additional codes to document any associated conditions or complications.
- •For metastatic cancers, use a secondary code to indicate the site of metastasis.
- •In situ neoplasms are coded differently from invasive ones.
- •C44 codes should not be used for precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with skin cancer.
- ✓When a patient has a history of skin cancer that affects their current medical status.
- ✓When a patient has metastatic skin cancer.
- ✓When a patient is being treated for complications of skin cancer.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a benign skin lesion.
- ✗When a patient has a precancerous skin condition.
- ✗When a patient has a non-melanoma skin cancer not confirmed by pathology.
- ✗When a patient has a skin condition that is not neoplastic.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10-CM official guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for skin cancer should be comprehensive, including type of cancer, location, behavior, and any associated conditions or complications. The status of the disease (active, in remission, history of) should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of skin cancer
- •Location of neoplasm
- •Behavior of neoplasm
- •Status of disease
- •Associated conditions or complications
Supporting Evidence:
- •Pathology reports
- •Imaging studies
- •Clinical notes
- •Surgical reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient has a history of malignant melanoma on the upper back, currently in remission. No signs of metastasis.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has skin cancer.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of skin cancer
- âš Not indicating the location of the neoplasm
- âš Not documenting the behavior of the neoplasm
- âš Not indicating the status of the disease
Range Statistics
2
Total Codes
147
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:2
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for skin cancer can be complex due to the need to accurately document the type, behavior, and location of the neoplasm, as well as any associated conditions or complications. It also requires staying current with changes and updates to the ICD-10-CM guidelines.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the type and behavior of the neoplasm
- â–¸Identifying the location of the neoplasm
- â–¸Coding for associated conditions and complications
- â–¸Keeping up with changes and updates to coding guidelines
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used in dermatology, oncology, and general practice. They are essential for tracking patient outcomes, planning treatment, and epidemiological research.
Primary Specialties:
Dermatology
60%
Oncology
30%
General Practice
10%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with a suspicious mole on their arm.
- • A patient is undergoing chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma.
- • A patient has a history of basal cell carcinoma and is being monitored for recurrence.
- • A patient is being treated for lymphedema following removal of a squamous cell carcinoma on the leg.
Resources & References
There are numerous resources available for coding skin cancer, including the ICD-10-CM official guidelines, coding manuals, and professional coding websites.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Resources
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Coding Resources
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Clinical Guidelines
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Treatment of Cancer by Site
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- Online coding courses and webinars
- Coding case studies and practice scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a patient with a history of skin cancer?
Use a code from the Z85.8 series to indicate a personal history of malignant neoplasm, along with a C43-C44 code to specify the type of skin cancer.