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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.50

C44.50

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.50 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the trunk. This code is used when a patient presents with a skin cancer diagnosis that does not specify the type of malignancy, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Skin cancers are often associated with prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to DNA damage in skin cells. The trunk, which includes the chest, abdomen, and back, is a common site for skin cancers due to its exposure to UV radiation. Surgical management typically 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 skin grafting or flap surgery. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking cancer incidence and outcomes.

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 skin lesions requiring differentiation
  • Variability in reconstruction techniques and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type of malignancy
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on the extent of the lesion
  • Inconsistent coding of multiple 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 excisions and reconstructions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical margins are documented and that any reconstruction performed is clearly noted.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers and coordination of care with dermatology.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the multidisciplinary approach to treatment and any follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.50 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C44
  • 50 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed by a healthcare provider and that all relevant clinical information is available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.50 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant skin lesion on the trunk.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and the margins obtained.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure that the excision is well-documented to support the diagnosis.

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. C44.50 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders should strive for specificity when possible.

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. C44.50 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders should strive for specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.50 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders should strive for specificity when possible.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use C44.50?

C44.50 should be used when a patient has a malignant skin neoplasm on the trunk, and the specific type of cancer is not documented. Always ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed by a healthcare provider.