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C80.1
ICD-10-CM
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Find comprehensive information on Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (C44), medical coding guidelines, histology, and staging. Learn about SCC treatment options, prognosis, and the latest research for healthcare professionals. This resource covers essential information for accurate SCC documentation and billing, supporting optimal patient care and accurate medical records. Explore details on squamous cell carcinoma in situ, Bowen's disease, and other related skin cancer terminology for precise clinical documentation and coding.

Also known as

SCC
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Uncontrolled growth of abnormal squamous cells in skin or mucous membranes.
  • Clinical Signs : Red, scaly patches, open sores, firm bumps, or warts that may bleed or crust.
  • Common Settings : Head, neck, lips, mouth, genitals, areas exposed to sun or radiation.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC C80.1 Coding
C00-C97

Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity

Cancers of the lip, tongue, gums, and other mouth areas.

C44.0-C44.9

Skin of lip

Includes malignant neoplasms specifically affecting the skin of the lip.

C14.0-C14.8

Malignant neoplasm of pharynx

Covers cancers found within the pharynx, including the nasopharynx and oropharynx.

C32.0-C32.9

Malignant neoplasm of larynx

Includes cancers located within the larynx, often affecting vocal cords.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis code
  • SCC site and laterality documented
  • Tumor size and depth if applicable
  • Differentiation grade (well, moderate, poor)
  • Biopsy or excision confirmation of SCC

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (left, right, bilateral, unspecified) for squamous cell carcinoma impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. Relevant ICD-10 codes must include laterality.

  • Histology Specificity

    Coding squamous cell carcinoma requires specific histology and differentiation grading for accurate staging and treatment. Vague documentation leads to coding errors and claim denials.

  • Site Specificity

    Incompletely documented anatomical site for squamous cell carcinoma leads to unspecified codes. Accurate site and laterality are crucial for appropriate treatment and coding compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough skin exams for early SCC detection. ICD-10: C44.*, C79.8, C80.1
  • Precise SCC documentation: size, location, differentiation. CDI best practice.
  • Timely biopsy, pathology reports crucial for staging. HCC compliance.
  • Mohs surgery for high-risk SCC maximizes tissue sparing. CPT: 17311-17315
  • Multidisciplinary approach for advanced SCC optimizes outcomes. ICD-O-3: 8070-8076

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm SCC diagnosis: ICD-10 C44, SNOMED CT 400152001
  • Document lesion site, size, morphology
  • Check lymph node involvement: N stage
  • Review pathology report: Keratinization, dysplasia
  • Assess metastasis: M stage, imaging studies

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (C44.-) coding, impacting facility revenue.
  • Histology, site, and stage (pTNM) specificity in coding influence Squamous Cell Carcinoma claim acceptance.
  • Quality metrics for Squamous Cell Carcinoma track time to treatment and surgical margin status, affecting hospital rankings.
  • Accurate coding of Mohs surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma impacts procedural reimbursement (CPT codes 17311-17315).

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code SCC site, laterality, behavior
  • Document size, depth of invasion
  • Check ICD-10 CM guidelines for SCC
  • Confirm histology supports SCC code
  • Use SNOMED CT for detailed SCC data

Documentation Templates

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnosed.  Patient presents with (lesion description: size, color, shape, texture, location; e.g., a 1.5 cm, erythematous, indurated, ulcerated nodule on the right lateral forehead).  History includes (relevant patient history; e.g., sun exposure, history of actinic keratosis, immunosuppression).  Physical exam reveals (additional clinical findings; e.g., regional lymphadenopathy, sensory changes).  Differential diagnosis considered (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, actinic keratosis).  Biopsy performed on (date) and pathology report confirms invasive squamous cell carcinoma, (histological subtype if available; e.g., well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, poorly differentiated), with (margins status; e.g., positive margins, negative margins, close margins).  Staging workup including (imaging studies, lymph node evaluation) is planned to assess extent of disease.  Treatment options discussed with the patient including (surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy).  Risks and benefits of each treatment modality explained.  Patient elected to proceed with (chosen treatment).  Follow-up scheduled for (date) to monitor healing and assess for recurrence.  ICD-10 code (C44.xxx, specify location) assigned.  CPT codes for biopsy (e.g., 11100, 11101) and planned treatment (e.g., 17311, 17312 for Mohs surgery) will be documented upon completion of the procedure.  Patient education provided regarding skin cancer prevention, including sun protection strategies and regular skin self-examinations.
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