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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.3

C44.3

Billable

Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of other and unspecified parts of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of other and unspecified parts of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.3 refers to malignant neoplasms of the skin located on the face that do not fall into the more specific categories of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasms can arise from various skin cells and may present as lesions that can be asymptomatic or symptomatic, depending on their size and location. Risk factors include prolonged sun exposure, which is a significant contributor to skin malignancies, particularly in fair-skinned individuals. Surgical intervention often involves excision of the tumor with clear margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, which can involve techniques such as skin grafting or flap surgery to restore the aesthetic and functional integrity of the facial area. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the tumor type, location, and treatment performed, as well as any complications that may arise during the surgical process.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of tumor type and characteristics
  • Need for precise anatomical location description
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers
  • Potential for multiple surgical procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on reconstruction procedures
  • Inconsistent coding of related diagnoses

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histological type, as well as surgical margins and reconstruction details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions, excision of malignant neoplasms, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of malignancy and any associated treatments to support coding.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of reconstructive procedures, including techniques used and outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction following excision of skin cancers, management of surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the necessity and type of reconstruction is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.3 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, C44
  • 3 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any related procedures are accurately captured

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm of the skin on the face.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and the margins obtained.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons should ensure detailed operative notes.

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. C44.3 provides a means to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, but it requires careful documentation to ensure appropriate coding.

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. C44.3 provides a means to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, but it requires careful documentation to ensure appropriate coding.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.3 provides a means to capture cases that do not fit neatly into other categories, but it requires careful documentation to ensure appropriate coding.

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 should I document to support the use of C44.3?

You should document the specific characteristics of the malignant neoplasm, including its size, location, and histological type, as well as details of the surgical procedure and any reconstruction performed.