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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.72

C44.72

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.72 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a malignant tumor that arises from the squamous cells, which are flat cells located in the outer layer of the skin. This type of skin cancer is often associated with prolonged sun exposure, particularly in areas such as the lower limbs and hips, which are frequently exposed to UV radiation. SCC can present as a persistent sore, a scaly patch, or a growth that may bleed or crust over. The risk factors for developing SCC include fair skin, a history of sunburns, and immunosuppression. Surgical excision is the primary treatment method, and it is crucial to ensure clear surgical margins to minimize the risk of recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion. Post-operative care and monitoring for signs of recurrence are essential components of management. The prognosis for SCC is generally favorable when detected early, but it can be aggressive and metastasize if left untreated.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of skin cancers
  • Determining the extent of the lesion and surgical margins
  • Understanding the implications of sun exposure history
  • Navigating reconstruction coding post-excision

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, including size, location, and histopathology results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of SCC, follow-up care, and management of post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of excision margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy if indicated.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced SCC cases and coordination of care with dermatology.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic therapies and their effects on the patient's condition.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.72 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding neoplasms, ensuring to document the specific site and type of carcinoma
  • Include any relevant history of sun exposure and previous skin cancers

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.72 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11602CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, excised diameter excised 2.1 to 3.0 cm

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a squamous cell carcinoma from the lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and the surgical margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure accurate measurement and description of the excised lesion.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.72 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.72 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.72 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and research.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for C44.72?

The primary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is surgical excision, ensuring clear margins to prevent recurrence. Additional treatments may include radiation therapy or topical chemotherapy depending on the case.