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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.1191

C44.1191

Billable

Basal cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.1191 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of skin of left upper 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, C44.1191, refers to BCC located on the skin of the left upper 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, leading to mutations in the DNA of skin cells. Clinically, BCC may present as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for weeks. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, with careful attention to surgical margins to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells. 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 characteristics, treatment plan, and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of location (left upper eyelid, including canthus)
  • Need for detailed documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstructive procedures post-excision
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the carcinoma
  • Lack of details regarding reconstructive procedures
  • Misclassification of the type of skin cancer

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the lesion's characteristics, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including BCC, and management of post-surgical care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of ocular examination findings and any impact on vision or eyelid function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of eyelid lesions and coordination of care for reconstructive surgery.

Billing Considerations

Collaboration with dermatology for comprehensive care and accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.1191 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding neoplasms, ensuring specificity in location and type of cancer
  • Include documentation of treatment and any reconstructive procedures

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.1191 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a BCC from the left upper eyelid.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology and ophthalmology should coordinate care for eyelid lesions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding skin cancers, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation requirements.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding skin cancers, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation requirements.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding skin cancers, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation requirements.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of specifying the eyelid location in coding?

Specifying the eyelid location is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning, as it affects surgical approach and potential reconstructive needs.