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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.709

C44.709

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.709 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of left lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.709 refers to an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the left lower limb, which includes the hip area. This code is used when a patient presents with a skin cancer diagnosis that has not been further specified, meaning the exact type of malignancy (such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or basal cell carcinoma) is not documented. Skin cancers are often associated with sun exposure, particularly in areas of the body that receive significant sunlight. The left lower limb, including the hip, is a common site for such malignancies due to prolonged exposure. Surgical intervention may be necessary, and the margins of excised tissue must be carefully evaluated to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells. Reconstruction may be required post-surgery, depending on the size and location of the excised area. Accurate coding is essential for treatment planning, insurance reimbursement, and tracking cancer incidence and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the diagnosis
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on tumor type
  • Need for detailed documentation of surgical margins
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the malignancy type
  • Inadequate details on surgical margins
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery
  • Misalignment between diagnosis and treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including lesion characteristics, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of malignancy and surgical margins to avoid ambiguity.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy details if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring systemic therapy or palliative care.

Billing Considerations

Document the staging of cancer and any metastasis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.709 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C44
  • 709 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that any related procedures are accurately linked

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.709 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 on the left lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins excised.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure clear documentation of the lesion's characteristics.

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for excising skin cancers with high recurrence rates.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and pathology reports are essential.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists should document the type of malignancy and 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, but C44.709 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases. This can lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement if not properly documented.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, but C44.709 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases. This can lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement if not properly documented.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement if not properly documented.

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 should I document to support the use of C44.709?

Document the clinical findings, biopsy results, and any treatment plans. Ensure that the type of malignancy is clearly stated if known, and include details about surgical margins if applicable.