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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.1

C44.1

Billable

Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.1 refers to malignant neoplasms of the skin located on the eyelid, including the canthus, which is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. These neoplasms can arise from various skin cells and may present as lesions that can be either nodular or infiltrative. The most common types of skin cancers affecting the eyelid include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Risk factors for developing these malignancies include prolonged sun exposure, fair skin, and a history of skin cancer. Surgical excision is often the primary treatment, and it is crucial to ensure clear surgical margins to prevent recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-excision to restore the eyelid's function and appearance, which can involve complex techniques depending on the extent of the resection. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking cancer incidence and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of skin malignancies
  • Determining the exact location of the neoplasm
  • Understanding the surgical margins required for excision
  • Reconstruction procedures post-excision

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type of malignancy
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on the extent of the excision
  • Improper coding of reconstruction procedures

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 cancers, including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Records of visual function, eyelid anatomy, and any associated ocular conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors and their impact on vision.

Billing Considerations

Document the functional implications of eyelid neoplasms and any surgical interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.1 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, C44
  • 1 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed through pathology reports and that the location is accurately described
  • skin malignancies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.1 When
  • Exclusions include benign lesions and non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the eyelid.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the excision is performed by a qualified specialist.

67904CPT Code

Repair of eyelid

Clinical Scenario

Used for reconstructive surgery following excision of eyelid malignancy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of the repair and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Reconstruction may require collaboration between dermatology and ophthalmology.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.1 provides a distinct code for eyelid malignancies, which was less specific in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.1 provides a distinct code for eyelid malignancies, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.1 provides a distinct code for eyelid malignancies, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    American Academy of Ophthalmology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    American Academy of Ophthalmology

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of skin cancers are included under C44.1?

C44.1 includes various malignant neoplasms of the skin of the eyelid, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, when the specific type is not documented.

How do I document surgical margins for C44.1?

Document the size of the excised lesion, the margins obtained, and any additional procedures performed to ensure clear surgical margins.