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 CodesC44.319

C44.319

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of other parts of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.319 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of other parts of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, primarily arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.319, refers to BCC located on other parts of the face, excluding the eyelids, ears, and lips. BCC is often associated with prolonged sun exposure, which leads to DNA damage in skin cells. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly nodule, a flat scar-like lesion, or a non-healing sore. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a biopsy. Treatment options include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryotherapy, and topical chemotherapy. Surgical margins are crucial in BCC management to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-excision, especially for larger lesions or those in cosmetically sensitive areas. The prognosis for BCC is generally excellent, but careful monitoring is essential due to the potential for local recurrence and the risk of developing additional skin cancers, particularly in patients with a history of significant sun exposure.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of skin cancers
  • Understanding the specific location of the carcinoma
  • Determining appropriate surgical margins
  • Reconstruction needs post-surgery

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the carcinoma
  • Lack of follow-up documentation
  • Misclassification of the type of skin cancer

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of BCC, follow-up care, and management of multiple skin cancers.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the lesion's characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including surgical and non-surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced BCC cases requiring systemic therapy or clinical trials.

Billing Considerations

Document any multidisciplinary approaches to treatment and patient history.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.319 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any related conditions
  • Include specific details about the location and type of BCC, and ensure that the code reflects the most current clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.319 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excising BCC with high risk of recurrence.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of the excision and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists 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. C44.319 provides a clear distinction for BCC located on other parts of the face, enhancing clinical documentation and treatment tracking.

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. C44.319 provides a clear distinction for BCC located on other parts of the face, enhancing clinical documentation and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.319 provides a clear distinction for BCC located on other parts of the face, enhancing clinical documentation and treatment tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of basal cell carcinoma?

The primary cause of basal cell carcinoma is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, which damages the DNA in skin cells.