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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.51

C44.51

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, primarily arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. It is characterized by uncontrolled growth of these cells, often resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. BCC typically presents as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored lesion, or a scar-like area on the skin. The trunk, which includes the chest, abdomen, and back, is a common site for BCC due to sun exposure. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, aiming to achieve clear surgical margins to minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas. The prognosis for BCC is generally excellent, with a low risk of metastasis, but careful monitoring is essential to detect any new lesions or recurrences. Regular skin examinations and sun protection strategies are crucial for prevention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and histological types of basal cell carcinoma.
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins and reconstruction details.
  • Differentiation from other skin lesions and cancers.
  • Potential for multiple lesions requiring coding for each site.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins.
  • Failure to document the size and location of the lesion.
  • Misclassification of the type of skin cancer.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for recurrence.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of BCC, Mohs micrographic surgery, and follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced BCC cases and coordination of care with dermatology.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic therapies or clinical trials if applicable.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.51 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for neoplasms, ensuring accurate coding based on the site and type of cancer
  • Include any relevant modifiers for surgical procedures and document the reason for the visit

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.51 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a BCC from the trunk.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology 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, including BCC, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including BCC, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including BCC, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

The primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma is surgical excision, often with Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk lesions to ensure clear margins.