ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.111

C44.111

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.111 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.111, refers to BCC located on the skin of the unspecified eyelid, including the canthus, which is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. BCC is typically associated with prolonged sun exposure, leading to mutations in the DNA of skin cells. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored lesion, or a scar-like area. It is generally slow-growing and rarely metastasizes, but it can cause significant local destruction if left untreated. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, and achieving clear surgical margins is crucial to prevent recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas like the eyelids. Proper coding requires careful documentation of the lesion's characteristics, treatment performed, and any reconstructive procedures undertaken.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of eyelid lesions
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers
  • Potential for reconstructive procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify eyelid location
  • Lack of clarity on reconstructive procedures
  • Misclassification of skin lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, treatment performed, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of BCC, Mohs micrographic surgery, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the impact on vision and eyelid function, as well as any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors, including excision and reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the functional and cosmetic outcomes of eyelid surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.111 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the location, type of cancer, and any treatments performed
  • Include details on surgical margins and reconstructive procedures as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.111 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excision of BCC on eyelid with reconstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of excision and reconstruction details.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists and ophthalmologists should coordinate care for optimal outcomes.

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, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.111 provides granularity in coding for basal cell carcinoma, particularly in sensitive areas like the eyelids.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.111 provides granularity in coding for basal cell carcinoma, particularly in sensitive areas like the eyelids.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.111 provides granularity in coding for basal cell carcinoma, particularly in sensitive areas like the eyelids.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

The primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma is surgical excision, often using Mohs micrographic surgery for lesions on the face, including the eyelids.

How can I differentiate basal cell carcinoma from other skin cancers?

Basal cell carcinoma typically presents as a pearly bump or a flat lesion and is usually slow-growing. A biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis.