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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.6

C44.6

Billable

Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of upper limb, including shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of upper limb, including shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.6 refers to malignant neoplasms of the skin located on the upper limb, including the shoulder, that are classified as 'other' or 'unspecified.' This category encompasses a variety of skin cancers, including but not limited to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which may not fit into more specific classifications. Skin cancers in this region can arise due to various factors, with sun exposure being a significant risk factor. The upper limb's skin is often exposed to UV radiation, leading to potential malignancies. Surgical intervention is a common treatment, which may involve excision of the tumor with careful attention to surgical margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, requiring careful planning to restore both function and aesthetics. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation, reimbursement, and tracking of cancer incidence and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in histological types of skin cancers
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for multiple malignancies in the same area
  • Differentiation from benign skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and characteristics
  • Failure to document surgical margins clearly
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions
  • Inconsistent coding of reconstruction procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of lesions, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, staging information, and follow-up care details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of skin cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic treatments and their effects on the skin lesions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.6 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the malignancy type, location, and treatment
  • Include details on surgical margins and any reconstructive efforts

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.6 When
  • Exclude benign lesions and ensure specificity in coding

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the upper limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure clear documentation of the lesion's characteristics.

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 data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.6 provides a distinct classification for upper limb malignancies, enhancing the ability to analyze treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.6 provides a distinct classification for upper limb malignancies, enhancing the ability to analyze treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.6 provides a distinct classification for upper limb malignancies, enhancing the ability to analyze treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of skin cancers are included under C44.6?

C44.6 includes various malignant neoplasms of the skin on the upper limb, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and unspecified malignant neoplasms.