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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.722

C44.722

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.722 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells in the epidermis. This type of cancer is 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 SCC due to its exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Clinically, SCC may present as a persistent sore, a scaly patch, or a wart-like growth that can bleed or crust over. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a biopsy. Treatment options include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryotherapy, and topical chemotherapy, depending on the size, depth, and location of the tumor. Surgical margins are critical in SCC management; clear margins are essential to reduce the risk of recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-excision, especially for larger lesions, to restore function and aesthetics. Regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence or 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 size and location
  • Variability in surgical margins based on tumor characteristics
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures post-excision
  • Differentiation from other skin lesions such as basal cell carcinoma

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to document the size and depth of the lesion
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-treatment
  • Misclassification of the type of skin cancer

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of SCC, follow-up care for skin cancer patients.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the lesion's characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced SCC, coordination of care with surgical teams.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic treatments and their effects on the patient.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.722 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding neoplasms, ensuring accurate documentation of the site, type, and behavior of the tumor
  • Include any relevant surgical procedures and follow
  • up care

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.722 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11602CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, face, ears, scalp, neck; excised diameter over 4.0 cm

Clinical Scenario

Used for excision of larger SCC lesions on the right lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document size of the lesion and surgical margins.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure coordination between dermatology and surgical teams.

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. C44.722 provides detailed information about the location and type of cancer, which is crucial for treatment planning and epidemiological studies.

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. C44.722 provides detailed information about the location and type of cancer, which is crucial for treatment planning and epidemiological studies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.722 provides detailed information about the location and type of cancer, which is crucial for treatment planning and epidemiological studies.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of clear surgical margins in SCC?

Clear surgical margins are crucial in SCC treatment as they indicate that the cancer has been completely removed, reducing the risk of recurrence. Inadequate margins may necessitate further treatment.