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 CodesC44.29

C44.29

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.29 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.29 refers to malignant neoplasms of the skin located specifically on the ear and external auricular canal that do not fall into more specific categories such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasms can arise from various skin cells and may present as lesions that are often associated with sun exposure, particularly in individuals with fair skin or those who have a history of excessive sun exposure. The clinical presentation may include asymptomatic growths, ulcerations, or changes in existing skin lesions. Surgical intervention is typically required for diagnosis and treatment, which may involve excision of the tumor with clear surgical margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, and it is crucial to document the surgical margins and any reconstructive procedures performed to ensure accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of skin neoplasms
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Differentiation from benign lesions and other skin cancers
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures post-excision

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and location
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity in reconstructive procedures performed
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and surgical margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of malignant neoplasm and any reconstructive procedures.

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the surgical approach and any reconstructive techniques used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of skin cancers affecting the ear and external auricular canal.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of the neoplasm and any functional implications for the patient.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.29 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C44
  • 29 should be used when the malignant neoplasm is specifically identified as affecting the ear or external auricular canal
  • It is important to document the specific type of malignancy and any treatments performed
  • specified skin cancers

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.29 When
  • Exclusions include benign neoplasms and non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, face, ears, scalp

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the ear.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Ensure accurate coding based on the specialty performing the procedure.

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. C44.29 provides a distinct code for malignant neoplasms of the ear, which aids in tracking and managing skin cancer cases more effectively.

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. C44.29 provides a distinct code for malignant neoplasms of the ear, which aids in tracking and managing skin cancer cases more effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.29 provides a distinct code for malignant neoplasms of the ear, which aids in tracking and managing skin cancer cases more effectively.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lesions are coded under C44.29?

C44.29 is used for malignant neoplasms of the skin of the ear and external auricular canal that do not fit into more specific categories, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma.