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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.509

C44.509

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of other part of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.509 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of other part of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.509 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on other parts of the trunk, excluding the face, scalp, and neck. This code encompasses various types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which may arise from sun exposure or other risk factors. The trunk includes the torso, which is the central part of the body, and skin cancers in this area can present as lesions, ulcers, or nodules. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, biopsy, and histopathological evaluation. Treatment options may include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, and topical chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgical margins are critical in ensuring complete removal of malignant cells, and reconstruction may be necessary to restore the skin's appearance and function post-surgery. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and histological types of skin cancers
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Differentiation from benign skin lesions
  • Potential for multiple lesions requiring coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type of skin cancer
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on the location of the neoplasm
  • Inconsistent coding of multiple lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, biopsy results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and lesion characteristics.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers and coordination of multidisciplinary care.

Billing Considerations

Document staging and treatment response for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.509 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any associated conditions
  • Include specific details about the location and type of skin cancer

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.509 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 from the trunk.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists must 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, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.509 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which may have been underreported in ICD-9.

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. C44.509 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which may have been underreported in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.509 provides a means to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which may have been underreported in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What does C44.509 specifically refer to?

C44.509 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on other parts of the trunk, excluding the face, scalp, and neck.

When should I use C44.509 instead of more specific codes?

Use C44.509 when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented or when the lesion's location does not fit into more specific categories.