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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.520

C44.520

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of anal skin

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.520 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of anal skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anal skin is a malignant neoplasm arising from the squamous epithelial cells in the anal region. This type of skin cancer is often associated with chronic sun exposure, immunosuppression, and HPV infection. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as anal pain, bleeding, or a visible lesion. Diagnosis typically involves a biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant cells. Treatment options may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the tumor's size, location, and stage. Surgical margins are critical in ensuring complete removal of the cancerous tissue, and reconstruction may be necessary to restore anal function and appearance post-surgery. The prognosis for SCC of the anal skin varies based on early detection and treatment, with a higher risk of metastasis if not treated promptly.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of skin cancers
  • Determining the extent of the disease and appropriate staging
  • Understanding surgical margins and their implications for coding
  • Reconstruction procedures that may follow excision

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to document the type of reconstruction performed
  • Misclassification of the tumor type
  • Lack of supporting pathology reports

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, treatment plans, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with anal lesions, requiring biopsy and treatment planning.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of any metastasis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing excision and reconstruction procedures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for SCC, including margin assessment and reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of excision and any complications during surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.520 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the location and size of the tumor, as well as any surgical interventions performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.520 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11643CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, excised diameter over 4.0 cm

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a large SCC of the anal skin.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the excised lesion and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists and surgeons must ensure accurate measurement of the lesion.

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. C44.520 provides a clear distinction for squamous cell carcinoma of anal skin, which was less specific 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. C44.520 provides a clear distinction for squamous cell carcinoma of anal skin, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.520 provides a clear distinction for squamous cell carcinoma of anal skin, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common treatments for squamous cell carcinoma of anal skin?

Common treatments include surgical excision, radiation therapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer.