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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.501

C44.501

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.501 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.501 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the breast. This diagnosis encompasses various types of skin cancers that may arise in the breast area, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, although the specific type is not identified. Skin cancers can be influenced by factors such as sun exposure, which is a significant risk factor for the development of malignant neoplasms. Surgical management often involves excision of the tumor with clear margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary post-surgery, especially in cases where significant tissue is removed. The coding for this condition requires careful documentation of the tumor's characteristics, treatment plan, and any reconstructive procedures performed, as these details impact the overall management and coding accuracy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in tumor types and characteristics
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures
  • Differentiation from benign skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on reconstructive procedures
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers and coordination of care.

Billing Considerations

Document staging and any systemic treatments provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.501 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any related procedures
  • Include details on the type of malignancy if known, and document any reconstructive efforts

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.501 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant skin lesion on the breast.

Documentation Requirements

Document size, location, and margins of the excised lesion.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology and surgical oncology should ensure clear communication on margins.

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 ability to track and manage these conditions. C44.501 provides a way to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. C44.501 provides a way to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. C44.501 provides a way to capture unspecified malignant neoplasms, which can help in understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of specifying the type of skin cancer?

Specifying the type of skin cancer is crucial for treatment planning, prognosis, and accurate coding. Different types of skin cancers have varying treatment protocols and implications for patient care.