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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.519

C44.519

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of other part of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.519 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of other part of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.519, refers to BCC located on the skin of the trunk, excluding the more common sites like the face, ears, and neck. BCC is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, leading to mutations in the DNA of skin cells. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a sore that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, with the goal of achieving clear surgical margins to minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion. The prognosis for BCC is generally excellent, with a low risk of metastasis, but careful monitoring is essential due to the potential for local recurrence and the development of new skin cancers in sun-exposed areas.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of skin cancers
  • Identifying the specific location on the trunk
  • Understanding the nuances of surgical margins
  • Documenting reconstruction procedures accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify the exact location on the trunk
  • 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, treatment plan, and surgical margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the lesion's characteristics and location to support the chosen code.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment history, including any adjuvant therapies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic therapies or clinical trials that may be relevant.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.519 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • 519 should be used when the basal cell carcinoma is confirmed and located on the trunk, excluding other specified sites

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.519 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 the 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, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.519 provides specificity that was not available 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. C44.519 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.519 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

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, which damages the DNA in skin cells.