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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.70

C44.70

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.70 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.70 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the lower limb, including the hip. This code encompasses various types of skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which may arise due to factors like chronic sun exposure, genetic predisposition, or other environmental influences. The lower limb, including the hip, is a common site for skin malignancies, particularly in individuals with a history of significant sun exposure. Surgical intervention often involves excision of the tumor with appropriate 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 is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological trends in skin cancer incidence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in tumor types and characteristics
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures
  • Differentiation from benign skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on reconstruction procedures
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions

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 accurate documentation of the type of skin cancer and treatment performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring systemic therapy.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the rationale for treatment choices and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.70 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific site and type of malignancy are not documented
  • Include additional codes for any associated conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.70 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used for excising a malignant neoplasm from the lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

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

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 data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of documenting surgical margins?

Documenting surgical margins is crucial for determining whether the cancer has been completely excised, which impacts prognosis and further treatment decisions.

How can I differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions?

Clinical examination, biopsy results, and histopathological analysis are essential for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.