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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.699

C44.699

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left upper limb, including shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.699 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left upper limb, including shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.699 refers to a malignant neoplasm of the skin located specifically on the left upper limb, including the shoulder. This code encompasses various types of skin cancers that do not fall under more specific categories. Skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, can arise from prolonged sun exposure, which is a significant risk factor. The diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical examination, biopsy, and histopathological evaluation to confirm malignancy. Surgical intervention may be necessary, including excision with clear margins to ensure complete removal of cancerous tissue. Reconstruction may follow excision, especially if significant tissue is removed, to restore function and aesthetics. Proper coding is essential for accurate billing and treatment planning, as it reflects the complexity of the condition and the necessary interventions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of skin cancer types that may fall under this code
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical margins
  • Variability in reconstruction techniques and their documentation
  • Potential for multiple diagnoses related to skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type of malignancy
  • Failure to document surgical margins
  • Lack of clarity on reconstruction procedures
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, biopsy results, and surgical reports are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and type of malignancy for accurate coding.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, pathology reports, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of skin cancer patients, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Billing Considerations

Document all treatment modalities and patient responses to ensure proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.699 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C44
  • 699 should be used when a malignant neoplasm of the skin is confirmed and specified as occurring on the left upper limb
  • It is important to document the type of malignancy and any associated treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.699 When
  • Exclusions include benign neoplasms and unspecified skin cancers

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm from the left upper limb.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical report detailing the excised lesion and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure clear documentation of 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, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.699 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and tracking of treatment outcomes.

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. C44.699 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and tracking of treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.699 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and tracking of treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of skin cancers are included under C44.699?

C44.699 includes various malignant neoplasms of the skin, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, specifically located on the left upper limb.