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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.79

C44.79

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.79 refers to other specified malignant neoplasms of the skin located on the lower limb, including the hip. This category encompasses various types of skin cancers that do not fall under more specific classifications such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. Commonly associated with sun exposure, these neoplasms can arise from prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, leading to cellular mutations. Clinically, patients may present with lesions that vary in appearance, including nodules, plaques, or ulcerations. Surgical intervention often involves excision of the tumor with clear margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised area, which can involve techniques such as skin grafting or flap surgery. Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of the tumor type, size, location, and surgical details to ensure appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of skin cancer types included under this code
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Variability in surgical procedures and reconstruction techniques
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses with other skin neoplasms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and characteristics
  • Failure to document surgical margins and reconstruction details
  • Misclassification of skin neoplasms
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers, including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding based on histopathology reports and surgical notes.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy details if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring multidisciplinary approaches.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with dermatology for accurate staging and treatment documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.79 When
  • According to the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, C44
  • 79 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm of the skin is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the neoplasm is confirmed by histological examination
  • malignant skin conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.79 When
  • Exclusions include benign neoplasms and non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document size, location, and margins of the excised lesion.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology and oncology must coordinate for accurate coding.

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 granularity of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.79 provides a distinct classification for malignant neoplasms of the lower limb, enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving the granularity of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.79 provides a distinct classification for malignant neoplasms of the lower limb, enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.79 provides a distinct classification for malignant neoplasms of the lower limb, enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of skin cancers are included under C44.79?

C44.79 includes various malignant neoplasms of the skin on the lower limb, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and other specified types that do not fall under more specific categories.