Is ICD-10-CM code C44 billable?

No, C44 (Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code C44 belong to?

C44 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C44Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin

In Melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skin (C43-C44), chapter 2: Neoplasms

101 billable codes under C44: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

malignant neoplasm of sebaceous glands
malignant neoplasm of sweat glands

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

Kaposi's sarcoma of skin (C46.0)
malignant melanoma of skin (C43.-)
malignant neoplasm of skin of genital organs (C51-C52, C60.-, C63.2)
Merkel cell carcinoma (C4A.-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding benign and malignant neoplasms: using the Neoplasm Table, sequencing primary and secondary sites, treatment encounters, complications, and current cancer versus personal history.

Admission/Encounter for treatment of primary site (page 33)
Admission/Encounter for treatment of secondary site (page 33)
Coding and sequencing of complications (page 34)
Primary malignancy previously excised (page 34)
Admissions/Encounters involving antineoplastic chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy (page 35)
Admission/encounter to determine extent of malignancy (page 36)
Symptoms, signs, and abnormal findings listed in Chapter 18 associated with neoplasms (page 36)
Admission/encounter for pain control/management (page 36)

Read Section I.C.2 (page 32), 12 more topics

All codes under C44

C44 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

C44 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under C44 group to MS-DRG 606, 607, 124, or 125 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 606 Minor Skin Disorders with MCC (72 of 101 codes)
DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (72 of 101 codes)
DRG 124 Other Disorders of the Eye with MCC or Thrombolytic Agent (25 of 101 codes)
DRG 125 Other Disorders of the Eye without MCC (25 of 101 codes)

Other codes that refer to C44

Notes on these codes point to C44.

C76 Excludes1: malignant neoplasm of skin (C44.-)
Z85.828 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C44

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.