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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.10

C44.10

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.10 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the eyelid, including the canthus. This type of skin cancer can arise from various skin cells and may present as a nodular lesion, ulceration, or change in pigmentation. The eyelid is a common site for skin cancers due to its exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Risk factors include prolonged sun exposure, fair skin, and a history of skin cancer. 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 lesion, which can involve techniques such as flap surgery or grafting. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the incidence of skin cancers in this sensitive area.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and histological types of skin cancers
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures post-excision
  • Differentiation from benign lesions and other skin conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the tumor's characteristics
  • Failure to document surgical margins and reconstruction details
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and surgical margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of malignancy and treatment plan.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of visual function, eyelid anatomy, and any associated ocular symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors and coordination with dermatology for surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Document any impact on vision or ocular health due to the neoplasm.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.10 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C44
  • 10 should be used when the specific site of the malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed through pathology reports and that all relevant details are captured in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the eyelid.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion, margins, and any reconstruction performed.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure coordination between dermatology and ophthalmology for eyelid lesions.

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 data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 is the significance of documenting surgical margins?

Documenting surgical margins is crucial to ensure complete removal of the malignant neoplasm and to prevent recurrence. It also supports the coding process by providing evidence of the extent of the surgery performed.