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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.309

C44.309

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of other parts of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.309 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of other parts of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.309 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on other parts of the face, excluding the eyelids, ears, and lips. Skin cancers, particularly those arising in the facial region, are often linked to prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to mutations in skin cells. The neoplasm may present as a non-healing sore, a change in an existing mole, or a new growth that may be asymptomatic or cause discomfort. Surgical intervention is typically required, with the goal of complete excision of the tumor while ensuring adequate surgical margins to 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 is essential for proper treatment reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of care provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of tumor type and location
  • Need for precise surgical margin descriptions
  • Potential for multiple neoplasms requiring differentiation
  • Variability in reconstruction techniques and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Failure to specify surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on reconstruction procedures
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstruction performed.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of surgical procedures, including pre-operative assessments and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction following excision of skin cancers on the face.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for reconstruction techniques used.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.309 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific site of the malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Include any relevant details about the tumor's characteristics and treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.309 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the face.

Documentation Requirements

Document size, location, and type of lesion excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons should ensure accurate coding based on the procedure performed.

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 granularity of data for treatment and outcomes. C44.309 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in tracking and managing skin cancer cases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving the granularity of data for treatment and outcomes. C44.309 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in tracking and managing skin cancer cases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving the granularity of data for treatment and outcomes. C44.309 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in tracking and managing skin cancer cases.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of specifying the surgical margins?

Specifying surgical margins is crucial as it indicates whether the cancer has been completely excised, which impacts treatment decisions and recurrence risk.