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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.719

C44.719

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.719 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of left 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 specific code, C44.719, refers to BCC located on the skin of the left lower limb, including the hip area. BCC is primarily associated with prolonged sun exposure, which leads to DNA damage in skin cells. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored lesion, or a scar-like area. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through a biopsy. Treatment often involves surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, or topical chemotherapy, depending on the size and location of the tumor. Surgical margins are crucial in BCC management to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-excision, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face or limbs, to restore skin integrity and function. Regular follow-up is essential due to the potential for new lesions, particularly in patients with a history of skin cancer.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of tumor location and size
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. non-surgical)
  • Potential for multiple lesions requiring separate coding
  • Importance of clear surgical margins in documentation

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 for recurrence

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of lesion characteristics, 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 site and size of the carcinoma, as well as any reconstruction 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 C44.719 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the site, size, and type of basal cell carcinoma
  • Include details on surgical margins and any reconstruction performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.719 When
  • Exclude codes for other types of skin cancer or benign lesions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excision of BCC with reconstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology must 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, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.719 provides detailed information about the location and type of cancer, which is crucial for treatment planning and follow-up care.

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. C44.719 provides detailed information about the location and type of cancer, which is crucial for treatment planning and follow-up care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.719 provides detailed information about the location and type of cancer, which is crucial for treatment planning and follow-up care.

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 BCC treatment?

Surgical margins are critical in BCC treatment to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Clear margins indicate that the cancer has been fully excised.