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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.119

C44.119

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.119 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.119, refers to BCC located on the skin of the left eyelid, including the canthus, which is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. BCC is typically associated with prolonged sun exposure, making it more prevalent in individuals with fair skin or those who have had significant UV exposure over their lifetime. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored lesion, or a scar-like area. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, with the goal of achieving clear surgical margins to minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas like the eyelids. Proper coding requires detailed documentation of the lesion's size, location, and the surgical approach taken, as well as any reconstruction performed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of location (left eyelid, including canthus)
  • Need for detailed surgical documentation
  • Potential for reconstruction coding
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to document reconstruction details
  • Misclassification of skin cancer type
  • Lack of clarity on lesion size and characteristics

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, treatment plan, and surgical notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of BCC, Mohs micrographic surgery, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstruction performed.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of ocular involvement and any functional impairments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid tumors, surgical interventions, and cosmetic considerations.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the impact of the lesion on vision and eyelid function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.119 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the site, type of cancer, and any treatments performed
  • Include details on the surgical approach and margins

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.119 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excising BCC on the eyelid with reconstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion, surgical margins, and reconstruction details.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists and ophthalmologists should coordinate on eyelid reconstruction.

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. C44.119 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

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. C44.119 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.119 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of documenting surgical margins?

Documenting surgical margins is crucial to ensure complete excision of the cancerous tissue, reducing the risk of recurrence and ensuring appropriate follow-up care.