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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.711

C44.711

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.711 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. This malignancy is typically associated with prolonged sun exposure, leading to DNA damage in skin cells. BCCs are characterized by their slow growth and low metastatic potential, making them less aggressive than other skin cancers. The unspecified lower limb, including the hip, indicates that the exact location of the carcinoma is not specified, which can complicate treatment planning. Surgical excision is the primary treatment modality, with the goal of achieving clear surgical margins to minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised tumor, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas. The prognosis for BCC is generally favorable, with a high cure rate when detected early and treated appropriately. However, patients with a history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure should be monitored regularly for new lesions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified location may lead to ambiguity in treatment documentation.
  • Variability in surgical margins and reconstruction techniques.
  • Need for precise documentation of sun exposure history.
  • Potential for multiple lesions requiring differentiation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins.
  • Failure to document the patient's sun exposure history.
  • Lack of clarity on the specific location of the carcinoma.
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation post-surgery.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histological findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of BCC, including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of prior skin cancers and family history of skin malignancies.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans and follow-up care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of recurrent BCC and coordination of care with dermatology.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic therapies for high-risk BCC patients.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.711 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for neoplasms, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow
  • up care
  • Include details on the surgical procedure and margins to support the coding choice

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.711 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a BCC from the lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology may require additional notes on the histology.

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. C44.711 provides specificity for basal cell carcinoma, which aids in tracking 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 the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.711 provides specificity for basal cell carcinoma, which aids in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.711 provides specificity for basal cell carcinoma, which aids in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

The primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma is surgical excision, often with Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk areas to ensure clear margins.