Basal Cell Carcinoma ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most prevalent form of skin cancer, is classified and documented using ICD-10 codes for medical billing and statistical purposes. To help healthcare providers accurately document and bill for these cases, we have listed commonly used Basal Cell Carcinoma ICD-10 codes, along with their corresponding clinical descriptions. 

• C44.90 - Basal cell carcinoma, unspecified site: This code is utilized when the specific location of the basal cell carcinoma is not explicitly stated in the medical records. It serves as a general or unspecified diagnosis for BCC.
• C44.119 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of another part of the face: This code is employed when BCC is identified on regions of the face other than the eyelids, nose, or ears, such as the cheeks or forehead.
• C44.121 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of the right eyelid: This specific code denotes BCC's presence on the right eyelid.
• C44.122 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid: Similarly, this code explicitly indicates BCC on the left eyelid.
• C44.129 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified eyelid: When BCC is identified on an eyelid without specifying the right or left side, this code is used.
• C44.311 - Basal cell carcinoma of nose skin: This code is employed to specify the presence of BCC on the nose.
• C44.320 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of ear and external auricular canal: This code is used when BCC is located on the ear or outer ear canal.
• C44.42 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of scalp and neck: Signifying BCC on the scalp or neck, this code assists in accurate documentation and billing.
• C44.519 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of trunk: This code is applied when BCC is diagnosed on the trunk, encompassing the chest and back.
• C44.729 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lower limb, including hip: To denote BCC on the lower limb, which encompasses the thigh, knee, leg, and hip, this code is utilized.

These ICD-10 codes are essential for healthcare providers and medical coders to represent and bill for cases of basal cell carcinoma accurately. It is imperative that the medical documentation is precise and comprehensive to ensure that the location and severity of BCC are accurately documented, aiding in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of this common skin cancer.

Which Basal Cell Carcinoma ICD Codes are Billable

Here's a breakdown of whether commonly used ICD-10 codes for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are billable:

• C44.90 - Basal cell carcinoma, unspecified site: Yes.
• C44.119 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of another part of the face: Yes.
• C44.121 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of right eyelid: Yes.
• C44.122 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid: Yes.
• C44.129 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified eyelid: Yes.
• C44.311 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of nose: Yes.
• C44.320 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of ear and external auricular canal: Yes.
• C44.42 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of scalp and neck: Yes.
• C44.519 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of trunk: Yes.
• C44.729 - Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lower limb, including hip: Yes.

Clinical Information

• BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, with a prevalence primarily in fair-skinned individuals and increasing with age.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, often from sun exposure, is BCC's primary risk factor. Other factors may include genetic predisposition and exposure to ionizing radiation.
• BCC typically appears as a slow-growing, painless, raised, or pearly bump on the skin, often with visible blood vessels.
• It may also manifest as a scaly, pink, red patch, an open sore, or a shiny growth with a central depression.
• Common sites for BCC include the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, and back.
• BCC has various subtypes, including nodular, superficial, pigmented, and morpheaform (sclerosing), each with distinct clinical features.
• If left untreated, BCC can invade surrounding tissues and structures, leading to disfigurement.
• Rarely, BCC can metastasize to distant organs, but it typically remains localized.
• It is often diagnosed through clinical examination and confirmed via skin biopsy.
• Dermoscopy and confocal microscopy may aid in diagnosis.
• Treatment depends on BCC subtype, size, location, and patient factors.
• Options include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and topical therapies (e.g., imiquimod).
• BCC has an excellent prognosis with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• The risk of recurrence is higher for specific subtypes and aggressive BCC variants.
• UV protection measures, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, can reduce the risk of BCC.
• Regular skin self-examinations and annual dermatological check-ups are essential for early detection.
• Patients should be educated about the importance of sun protection, regular skin examinations, and seeking medical attention for suspicious skin lesions.

Synonyms Include

• Basal cell cancer
• Rodent ulcer
• Basalioma
• Basal cell epithelioma
• BCC (Abbreviation for Basal Cell Carcinoma)