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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.1221

C44.1221

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right upper eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.1221 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right upper eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a malignant tumor that arises from keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.1221, refers to SCC located on the right upper 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. The clinical presentation may include a persistent, non-healing sore, a raised, scaly lesion, or a wart-like growth. 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 tumor's size, depth, and location. Surgical margins are critical in ensuring complete removal of the cancerous tissue, and reconstruction may be necessary to restore the eyelid's appearance and function post-surgery. Given the eyelid's delicate structure, careful planning and execution of surgical techniques are essential to minimize complications and optimize cosmetic outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of location (right upper eyelid, including canthus)
  • Need for accurate documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures post-excision
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor size and margins
  • Failure to document the specific location of the carcinoma
  • Lack of clarity on the type of surgical procedure performed
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including lesion size, location, and histopathology results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including SCC and BCC.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of surgical procedures and follow-up care.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of eyelid anatomy, surgical approach, and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors and reconstruction after excision.

Billing Considerations

Focus on preserving eyelid function and aesthetics post-surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.1221 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the diagnosis and location of the carcinoma
  • Include any relevant modifiers to indicate the complexity of the case

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.1221 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 right upper eyelid.

Documentation Requirements

Document size of the lesion, margins, and any reconstruction performed.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified specialist.

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. C44.1221 provides detailed information that can impact treatment planning and outcomes.

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. C44.1221 provides detailed information that can impact treatment planning and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.1221 provides detailed information that can impact treatment planning and outcomes.

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 is the significance of documenting surgical margins?

Documenting surgical margins is crucial to ensure that all cancerous tissue has been removed, reducing the risk of recurrence and ensuring appropriate follow-up care.

How does sun exposure relate to squamous cell carcinoma?

Chronic sun exposure is a significant risk factor for developing squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in fair-skinned individuals, as UV radiation can cause DNA damage in skin cells.