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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.329

C44.329

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of other parts of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.329 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of skin of other parts of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a malignant neoplasm that arises from the squamous cells, which are flat cells located in the outer layer of the skin. This specific code, C44.329, refers to SCC located on parts of the face that are not classified under more specific anatomical sites such as the eyelids, ears, or lips. Risk factors for developing SCC include prolonged sun exposure, which leads to DNA damage in skin cells, as well as other factors such as immunosuppression, exposure to certain chemicals, and a history of skin lesions. Surgical treatment 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 tumor, which can involve techniques such as skin grafts or local flaps. Regular follow-up is crucial for monitoring potential recurrence and managing any complications from treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify the exact site of the carcinoma
  • Lack of follow-up documentation
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

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 SCC, including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced SCC cases requiring systemic therapy.

Billing Considerations

Document any multidisciplinary approaches and follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.329 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C44
  • 329 should be used when the squamous cell carcinoma is confirmed through biopsy and is specifically located on other parts of the face
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and include details about the treatment plan and surgical margins

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.329 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 face.

Documentation Requirements

Document size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the excision.

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, including SCC, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including SCC, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common treatments for C44.329?

Common treatments include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, and in some cases, radiation therapy or topical chemotherapy, depending on the size and location of the tumor.