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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.300

C44.300

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified part of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.300 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified part of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.300 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on an unspecified part of the face. This code is used when a patient presents with a malignant skin tumor, but the specific type of neoplasm is not identified or documented. Skin cancers, particularly those arising from sun exposure, are prevalent in the facial region due to the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Malignant neoplasms of the skin can include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, among others. The treatment often involves surgical excision, and it is crucial to ensure clear surgical margins to prevent recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised tumor, which can involve various techniques to restore the skin's appearance and function. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the incidence of skin cancers related to sun exposure.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the neoplasm type
  • Variability in documentation practices
  • Potential for misclassification with benign lesions
  • Need for clear surgical margin documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type
  • Failure to specify the location of the neoplasm
  • Insufficient detail on surgical margins
  • 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 skin cancers, including Mohs micrographic surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstruction performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring multidisciplinary approaches.

Billing Considerations

Document staging and any metastasis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.300 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Include additional codes for any related conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.300 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 face.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure accurate coding based on the lesion's characteristics.

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, but C44.300 remains a challenge due to its unspecified nature, which can lead to potential misclassification and audit risks.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, but C44.300 remains a challenge due to its unspecified nature, which can lead to potential misclassification and audit risks.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, but C44.300 remains a challenge due to its unspecified nature, which can lead to potential misclassification and audit risks.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use C44.300?

Use C44.300 when a patient has a malignant skin neoplasm on the face, but the specific type is not documented. Ensure that all other relevant clinical details are provided.

What documentation is needed for C44.300?

Documentation should include the location of the lesion, any biopsy results, treatment plans, and details regarding surgical margins if excision is performed.