ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for basal cell carcinoma
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Carcinoma (malignant) › basal cell (pigmented) (see also Neoplasm, skin, malignant)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding basal cell carcinoma
The ICD-10-CM code for basal cell carcinoma is C44.91 (Basal cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified).
Within C44.9, choose C44.91 (Basal cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin, unspecified (C44.90), squamous cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified (C44.92) and other specified malignant neoplasm of skin, unspecified (C44.99).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 606 (Minor Skin Disorders with MCC, relative weight 1.5728) and DRG 607 (Minor Skin Disorders without MCC, relative weight 0.8772), in MDC 09 (Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific basal cell carcinoma codes (official index)
- fibro-epithelial
- morphea
- multicentric
Common questions about basal cell carcinoma ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for basal cell carcinoma?
- C44.91 — Basal cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified.
Is C44.91 billable?
- Yes. C44.91 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can C44.91 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict C44.91 as a principal diagnosis.
Is C44.91 a CC or MCC?
- No. C44.91 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.