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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.59

C44.59

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.59 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.59 refers to other specified malignant neoplasms of the skin located on the trunk, which includes the chest, abdomen, and back. This code encompasses a variety of skin cancers that do not fall under more specific categories such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancers are often linked to sun exposure, which can lead to DNA damage in skin cells, resulting in malignant transformations. The trunk is a common site for skin cancers due to its exposure to UV radiation. Surgical management typically 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 requires a thorough understanding of the specific type of malignancy, its location, and the surgical approach taken, as well as any associated complications or follow-up care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of skin cancer types included under this code
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor type and location
  • Variability in surgical techniques and reconstruction methods
  • Potential for multiple malignancies in the same patient

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and characteristics
  • Failure to document surgical margins and reconstruction details
  • Misclassification of benign lesions as malignant
  • Inconsistent coding across multiple encounters

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and surgical margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of malignancy and any associated treatments.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring multidisciplinary approaches.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic therapies or clinical trials the patient may be involved in.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.59 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, C44
  • 59 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the malignancy is confirmed through biopsy or other diagnostic methods

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.59 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 trunk.

Documentation Requirements

Document size of lesion, margins, and reconstruction details.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists must ensure accurate measurement and documentation of the excised area.

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. C44.59 provides a broader category for skin malignancies that do not fit into more specific codes, allowing for better tracking of treatment outcomes.

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. C44.59 provides a broader category for skin malignancies that do not fit into more specific codes, allowing for better tracking of treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. C44.59 provides a broader category for skin malignancies that do not fit into more specific codes, allowing for better tracking of treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of skin cancers are included under C44.59?

C44.59 includes various malignant neoplasms of the skin on the trunk that are not classified as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. This may include squamous cell carcinoma and other specified types.

How do I ensure accurate coding for surgical procedures related to C44.59?

Ensure that all surgical details, including excision margins and reconstruction methods, are thoroughly documented in the patient's medical record to support the coding.