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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.02

C44.02

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lip

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin of the lip is a malignant neoplasm that arises from the squamous cells, which are flat cells located in the outer layer of the skin. This type of skin cancer is often associated with prolonged sun exposure, particularly in individuals with fair skin, and can manifest as a persistent sore, a scaly patch, or a growth that may bleed or crust over. The lower lip is the most common site for SCC due to its increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Diagnosis typically involves a biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant cells. Treatment options may include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, or radiation therapy, depending on the size, depth, and location of the tumor. Surgical margins are critical in ensuring complete removal of the cancerous tissue, and reconstruction may be necessary to restore the appearance and function of the lip post-surgery. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between benign and malignant lesions
  • Determining the extent of the tumor and involvement of surgical margins
  • Understanding the implications of sun exposure history
  • Navigating the documentation requirements for surgical procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor size and margins
  • Failure to document the patient's sun exposure history
  • Incorrect coding of the surgical procedure performed
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions, management of skin cancer, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of the surgical procedure and follow-up care.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers and coordination of multi-disciplinary care.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic therapies used in conjunction with surgical treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.02 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C44
  • 02 should be used when the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip is confirmed
  • It is important to document the specific site and any relevant treatment details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.02 When
  • Exclusions include benign lesions and other types of skin cancers

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising SCC from the lip.

Documentation Requirements

Document size, location, and margins of the excised lesion.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure accurate coding of excision margins.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including SCC of the lip, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including SCC of the lip, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including SCC of the lip, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common treatments for C44.02?

Common treatments include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, and radiation therapy, depending on the tumor's characteristics and stage.