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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.89

C44.89

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of skin

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.89 refers to malignant neoplasms of the skin that do not fit into more specific categories. This code is used when the neoplasm overlaps multiple sites on the skin, making it difficult to classify under a single site. Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, can arise from various factors, with sun exposure being a significant risk factor. Surgical margins are critical in the treatment of skin cancers, as clear margins are necessary to ensure complete removal of malignant cells. Reconstruction may be required post-surgery, especially for larger lesions or those located in cosmetically sensitive areas. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the incidence and outcomes of skin cancers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of overlapping sites
  • Need for precise surgical margin descriptions
  • Differentiation from other skin neoplasms
  • Potential for multiple diagnoses in a single encounter

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of overlapping sites
  • Failure to specify surgical margins
  • Misclassification of skin neoplasms
  • Inconsistent coding of co-existing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the neoplasm's location, size, and type, along with surgical margins and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of overlapping sites and any co-existing skin conditions.

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 clinical trials that may affect coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.89 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, C44
  • 89 should be used when the malignant neoplasm overlaps multiple sites of the skin
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code and that it is not used when a more specific code is available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.89 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

17311CPT Code

Mohs micrographic surgery, first stage

Clinical Scenario

Used for excision of malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and type of neoplasm, along with surgical margins.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure detailed operative reports to support coding.

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 the ability to capture overlapping sites. This has improved data accuracy for epidemiological studies and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including the ability to capture overlapping sites. This has improved data accuracy for epidemiological studies and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, including the ability to capture overlapping sites. This has improved data accuracy for epidemiological studies and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology
  • •
    National Cancer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use C44.89 instead of a more specific code?

C44.89 should be used when the malignant neoplasm overlaps multiple sites and cannot be classified under a more specific code. Ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.