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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.101

C44.101

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.101 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.101 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the eyelid, including the canthus. This code is used when a patient presents with a skin cancer diagnosis affecting the eyelid but lacks specific details regarding the type of malignancy. Skin cancers, particularly those affecting the eyelids, are often linked to sun exposure, which can lead to various forms of skin malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The eyelid area is particularly vulnerable due to its thin skin and high exposure to UV radiation. Surgical management often involves excision of the tumor with clear margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the extent of the excision, which can involve local flaps or grafts to restore the eyelid's function and appearance. 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

  • Lack of specificity regarding the type of malignancy
  • Variability in surgical approaches and reconstruction techniques
  • Need for clear documentation of margins and excision details
  • Potential for multiple skin cancers in the same patient

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the malignancy type
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on the extent of excision
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

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

Records of visual function, eyelid anatomy, and surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors and reconstruction post-excision.

Billing Considerations

Document any impact on vision and eyelid function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.101 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the malignancy type is unspecified
  • Document the clinical findings, treatment plan, and any follow
  • up care

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.101 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant lesion from the eyelid.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the excision is performed by a qualified specialist.

67904CPT Code

Repair of eyelid

Clinical Scenario

Used for reconstructive surgery post-excision.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of reconstruction and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmology specialists should document functional outcomes.

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 treatment tracking. C44.101 provides a means to capture unspecified malignancies, which can help in understanding trends in skin cancer incidence.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.101 provides a means to capture unspecified malignancies, which can help in understanding trends in skin cancer incidence.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.101 provides a means to capture unspecified malignancies, which can help in understanding trends in skin cancer incidence.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    American Academy of Ophthalmology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    American Academy of Ophthalmology

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document when coding C44.101?

Document the type of malignancy, treatment details, surgical margins, and any follow-up care to support the use of this code.

When should I use C44.101 instead of a more specific code?

Use C44.101 when the malignancy type is not specified in the medical record, but ensure that all other clinical details are well-documented.