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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.391

C44.391

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of nose

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.391 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of nose.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.391 refers to a malignant neoplasm of the skin located specifically on the nose that does not fall under more specific categories of skin cancer. Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, can arise from various factors, with sun exposure being a significant risk factor. The nose, being a prominent facial feature, is particularly susceptible to skin cancers due to its exposure to ultraviolet (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 size and location of the excised lesion, which can involve techniques such as flap surgery or grafting to restore the aesthetic and functional integrity of the nose. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological data on skin cancers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of skin cancer types that can be coded under this category
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor size and margins
  • Variability in surgical techniques and reconstruction methods
  • Potential for multiple diagnoses related to skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical margins
  • Failure to specify the type of malignant neoplasm
  • Incorrect coding of the site of the lesion
  • Lack of supporting documentation for reconstruction procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, including size, location, and histological findings.

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 surgical techniques used in reconstruction.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.391 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the malignancy is confirmed through biopsy or other diagnostic methods
  • specified skin conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.391 When
  • Exclude codes for benign lesions or non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm of the skin on the nose.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of C44.391.

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 enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and epidemiological trends.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for C44.391?

Documentation must include the type of malignant neoplasm, size, location, surgical margins, and any reconstruction performed.