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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.702

C44.702

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of right lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.702 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of right lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.702 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the right lower limb, which includes the hip area. This diagnosis encompasses various types of skin cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, although the specific type is not identified in this code. Skin cancers are often associated with prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to DNA damage in skin cells. The right lower limb, including the hip, is a common site for skin cancers due to its exposure to sunlight. Surgical intervention is typically required for treatment, which may involve excision of the tumor with careful consideration of surgical margins to ensure complete removal of malignant cells. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised area, and this can involve various techniques, including skin grafts or flap surgeries. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking cancer incidence and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in skin cancer types and treatment protocols
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures post-excision
  • Differentiation from benign skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of margins and any additional procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive cancer staging and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of skin cancer treatment regimens and follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of multidisciplinary approaches and coordination of care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.702 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Include any relevant details about the tumor's size, location, and treatment in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.702 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 right 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 for treatment and epidemiological studies. C44.702 provides a clear designation for unspecified malignant neoplasms, facilitating better tracking and management of skin cancer cases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy for treatment and epidemiological studies. C44.702 provides a clear designation for unspecified malignant neoplasms, facilitating better tracking and management of skin cancer cases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy for treatment and epidemiological studies. C44.702 provides a clear designation for unspecified malignant neoplasms, facilitating better tracking and management of skin cancer cases.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What does C44.702 specifically refer to?

C44.702 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the right lower limb, including the hip area, and is used when the specific type of skin cancer is not documented.

When should I use C44.702 instead of a more specific code?

Use C44.702 when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not identified in the medical record, and ensure that all relevant clinical details are documented.