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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.712

C44.712

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.712 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of right 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, particularly in fair-skinned individuals. The right lower limb, including the hip, is a common site for BCC due to its exposure to UV radiation. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat scar-like lesion, or a sore that bleeds and does not heal. Diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy. Treatment often involves surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, or topical therapies, depending on the size, location, and histological subtype of the tumor. Surgical margins are critical in ensuring complete removal of the cancerous tissue to minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-excision, especially for larger lesions, to restore the skin's integrity and function. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for new lesions, given the propensity for individuals with a history of skin cancer to develop additional skin cancers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of tumor size and location
  • Variability in surgical techniques and reconstruction methods
  • Potential for multiple lesions requiring separate coding
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers and benign lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the carcinoma
  • Misclassification of the type of skin cancer
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of BCC, follow-up for skin cancer surveillance, and management of multiple skin lesions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of the specific type of BCC and any associated procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including surgical notes and pathology reports.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced BCC cases, coordination of care for patients with multiple skin cancers.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the multidisciplinary approach to treatment and any adjuvant therapies used.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.712 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C44
  • 712 should be used when the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is confirmed and the specific site is documented
  • malignant skin lesions and other types of skin cancer

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.712 When
  • Exclusions include non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excision of BCC on the right lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology specialists should document the extent of the excision and any reconstruction performed.

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, including BCC, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions. C44.712 provides specificity regarding the location and type of cancer, which is essential for treatment planning and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including BCC, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions. C44.712 provides specificity regarding the location and type of cancer, which is essential for treatment planning and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including BCC, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions. C44.712 provides specificity regarding the location and type of cancer, which is essential for treatment planning and research.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of surgical margins in coding C44.712?

Surgical margins are critical in determining whether the cancer has been completely excised. Proper documentation of margins is necessary to support the coding and to ensure appropriate follow-up care.