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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.122

C44.122

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a malignant tumor arising from keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.122, refers to SCC located on the right eyelid, including the canthus, which is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. SCC is often associated with chronic sun exposure, making it more prevalent in individuals with fair skin or those who have had significant UV exposure over their lifetime. Clinically, SCC may present as a persistent, non-healing sore, a scaly patch, or a growth that may bleed or crust. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, and it is crucial to achieve clear surgical margins to minimize the risk of recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-excision, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas like the eyelids, to restore function and appearance. The prognosis for SCC is generally favorable when detected early, but careful monitoring is essential due to the potential for local invasion and metastasis in more advanced cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Location-specific coding due to the anatomical complexity of the eyelid.
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins.
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures post-excision.
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins.
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the carcinoma.
  • Lack of clarity on the type of reconstruction performed.
  • Misclassification of the tumor type (e.g., confusing SCC with basal cell carcinoma).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histopathological findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any additional procedures performed.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of visual function, eyelid anatomy, and any ocular involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors and reconstruction post-excision.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with dermatology for comprehensive care and accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.122 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any associated procedures
  • Include details on the location and size of the carcinoma, as well as the surgical approach and margins

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.122 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising SCC from the eyelid.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Ensure coordination between dermatology and ophthalmology for accurate coding.

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. C44.122 provides a clear indication of the tumor's location and type, which is essential for treatment planning and follow-up.

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. C44.122 provides a clear indication of the tumor's location and type, which is essential for treatment planning and follow-up.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.122 provides a clear indication of the tumor's location and type, which is essential for treatment planning and follow-up.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for C44.122?

The primary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin of the eyelid is surgical excision with clear margins, often followed by reconstruction if necessary.

How can I differentiate between SCC and BCC?

SCC typically presents as a scaly patch or ulcer that may bleed, while basal cell carcinoma often appears as a pearly bump or a non-healing sore. Histological examination is required for definitive diagnosis.