ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.301

C44.301

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of nose

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.301 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of nose.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.301 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the nose. This diagnosis encompasses various types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, although the specific type is not identified in this code. Skin cancers are often associated with excessive sun exposure, which can lead to DNA damage in skin cells. The nose, being a prominent facial feature, is particularly susceptible to UV radiation, making it a common site for skin malignancies. Treatment typically involves surgical excision, and the margins of the excised tissue are critical to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised area, and it can involve techniques such as skin grafts or local flaps to restore the aesthetic appearance of the nose. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment reimbursement and tracking of cancer incidence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of skin cancer types
  • Need for precise surgical margin descriptions
  • Potential for multiple treatment modalities
  • Variability in reconstruction techniques

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of cancer type
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on reconstruction procedures
  • Misclassification of benign vs malignant lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and type of malignancy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstruction performed.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of reconstructive procedures and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction following excision of skin cancers on the nose.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for reconstruction techniques used.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.301 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 associated conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.301 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excision of skin cancer on the nose.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of cancer, margins, and reconstruction details.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology and plastic surgery may collaborate on these cases.

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. C44.301 provides a framework for unspecified cases, but coders must ensure thorough documentation to avoid ambiguity.

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. C44.301 provides a framework for unspecified cases, but coders must ensure thorough documentation to avoid ambiguity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.301 provides a framework for unspecified cases, but coders must ensure thorough documentation to avoid ambiguity.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of C44.301?

Document the lesion's characteristics, biopsy results, treatment plan, and any surgical margins to support the diagnosis of an unspecified malignant neoplasm.