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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.701

C44.701

Billable

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.701 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.701 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the lower limb, including the hip. This code is used when a patient presents with a malignant skin tumor that has not been further specified in terms of type or characteristics. Skin cancers, particularly those arising from sun exposure, can manifest in various forms, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The lower limb, including the hip, is a common site for skin cancers due to prolonged sun exposure. Surgical management often involves excision of the tumor with clear surgical margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised tumor, which can involve techniques such as skin grafts or local flaps. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological data related to skin cancer incidence and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity regarding the type of malignant neoplasm
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on tumor characteristics
  • Need for clear documentation of surgical margins and reconstruction details
  • Potential for misclassification with benign skin lesions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Inadequate details on surgical margins
  • Failure to document reconstruction procedures
  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to potential denials

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the tumor, including size, location, and histological type if known.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, including excisional biopsies and Mohs surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring systemic therapy.

Billing Considerations

Document any multidisciplinary approaches to treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.701 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 C44.701 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11400CPT Code

Excision, benign lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant skin lesion with clear margins.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure detailed operative notes.

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, but the use of unspecified codes like C44.701 remains common. Coders must ensure that they are using the most accurate codes available to reflect the patient's condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, but the use of unspecified codes like C44.701 remains common. Coders must ensure that they are using the most accurate codes available to reflect the patient's condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use C44.701?

C44.701 should be used when a patient has a malignant skin neoplasm on the lower limb or hip that has not been specified further. Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and any treatments performed.