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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.390

C44.390

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified parts of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.390 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified parts of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.390 refers to a malignant neoplasm of the skin located on unspecified parts of the face, which may include various types of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. These neoplasms can arise due to various factors, with sun exposure being a significant risk factor. The skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to DNA damage, resulting in malignant transformations. Surgical management 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. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking cancer incidence and outcomes.

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 skin lesions requiring differentiation
  • Variability in reconstruction techniques and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Failure to document surgical margins clearly
  • Incorrect coding of the site of the neoplasm
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histopathological 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.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring systemic therapy.

Billing Considerations

Document staging and any metastasis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.390 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 clinical information that supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.390 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the face.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure clear documentation of the surgical procedure and any reconstruction 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 accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.390 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in understanding the epidemiology of skin cancers.

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. C44.390 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in understanding the epidemiology of skin cancers.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.390 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in understanding the epidemiology of skin cancers.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of documenting surgical margins?

Documenting surgical margins is crucial as it indicates whether the malignant neoplasm has been completely excised, which impacts the prognosis and potential for recurrence.