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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.82

C44.82

Billable

Squamous cell carcinoma of overlapping sites of skin

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of overlapping sites of skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells in the epidermis. This specific code, C44.82, is used when the carcinoma affects overlapping sites of the skin, which can complicate treatment and coding. SCC is often associated with prolonged sun exposure, particularly in fair-skinned individuals, and can manifest as a persistent sore, a red patch, or a wart-like growth. The overlapping sites may involve multiple anatomical areas, making surgical margins and reconstruction more complex. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, and achieving clear margins is crucial to prevent recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the size and location of the excised lesion. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the sites involved, the extent of the disease, and the treatment provided, as overlapping sites can lead to ambiguity in coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Multiple anatomical sites involved complicate documentation.
  • Need for precise surgical margin assessment.
  • Potential for reconstruction adds complexity to coding.
  • Variability in clinical presentation requires thorough evaluation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of overlapping sites.
  • Failure to specify surgical margins.
  • Misclassification of the type of skin cancer.
  • Inconsistent coding of reconstruction procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of lesions, treatment plans, and surgical margins.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of SCC in patients with a history of sun exposure.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of overlapping sites and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment history, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced SCC requiring multidisciplinary approaches.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic treatments and their effects on the skin lesions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.82 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any overlapping sites
  • Include details on surgical margins and reconstruction when applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.82 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used for excising SCC from overlapping sites.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists must ensure clear documentation of overlapping sites.

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, including overlapping sites, which enhances the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including overlapping sites, which enhances the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of overlapping sites in SCC?

Overlapping sites indicate that the cancer affects multiple areas of skin, which can complicate treatment and necessitate careful documentation to ensure accurate coding and billing.