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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.791

C44.791

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.791 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.791 refers to a malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the unspecified lower limb, including the hip. This code encompasses various types of skin cancers that do not fall under more specific categories. Skin cancers, particularly malignant neoplasms, can arise from prolonged sun exposure, leading to conditions such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The lower limb, including the hip, is a common site for these malignancies due to sun exposure, especially in individuals with fair skin or those who spend significant time outdoors without adequate sun protection. Surgical intervention often involves excision of the tumor with clear margins to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion, which can involve skin grafts or flap techniques to restore the skin's integrity and function. Accurate coding for C44.791 requires careful documentation of the type of malignancy, treatment performed, and any reconstructive procedures undertaken.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of tumor type and characteristics
  • Need for precise surgical margin descriptions
  • Potential for multiple malignancies in the same area
  • Variations in reconstructive techniques and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the tumor type, size, location, and surgical margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of malignancy and any reconstructive procedures.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced skin cancers requiring multidisciplinary approaches.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic treatments or follow-up care plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.791 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the malignancy type, location, and any surgical interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.791 When
  • Exclude benign skin lesions and ensure that the code reflects the specific site of the malignancy

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion, face, ears, scalp, neck

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant skin lesion on the lower limb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the lesion and margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure clear documentation of the excised area.

15730CPT Code

Skin graft, free, including obtaining skin

Clinical Scenario

Used when reconstructive surgery is performed after excision.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the graft.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the reason for grafting is clearly stated.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.791 provides a clear designation for malignant neoplasms of the lower limb, enhancing clinical understanding and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C44.791 provides a clear designation for malignant neoplasms of the lower limb, enhancing clinical understanding and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C44.791 provides a clear designation for malignant neoplasms of the lower limb, enhancing clinical understanding and treatment planning.

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 C44.791?

C44.791 includes various types of malignant skin neoplasms such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma that are located on the unspecified lower limb, including the hip.