Question 1

What is ICD-10 code C44.131?

Accepted Answer

C44.131 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Sebaceous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified eyelid, including canthus. It belongs to the ICD-10-CM chapter for neoplasms (c00-d49). C44.131 is a billable code, meaning it can be reported on a claim as a primary or secondary diagnosis when supported by documentation. C44.131 is part of the FY2026 ICD-10-CM code set published by the CMS National Center for Health Statistics and used on Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial claims in the United States.

Question 2

Is C44.131 an HCC code?

Accepted Answer

No. C44.131 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any payment HCC category under the CMS-HCC V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC risk adjustment models. It can still be reported on Medicare Advantage encounter data submissions, but it does not contribute to the beneficiary's Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) score and therefore does not affect the risk-adjusted capitation payment to the plan. V28 reached 100% phase-in for payment year 2026.

Question 3

Is C44.131 billable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. C44.131 is a billable ICD-10-CM code that can be reported on professional and institutional claims as a primary or secondary diagnosis when the provider documentation supports the specific condition described. Billable codes in ICD-10-CM are coded to the highest level of specificity available for the documented diagnosis. C44.131 is current for fiscal year 2026 and remains in the active CMS ICD-10-CM code set published by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Question 4

What is the V28 vs V24 difference for C44.131?

Accepted Answer

C44.131 does not map to a payment HCC under either the CMS-HCC V28 risk adjustment model or the older V24 model. V28 reached 100% phase-in for payment year 2026, replacing V24 which was used during the PY2024–PY2025 transition. Because neither model rewards C44.131 with a risk adjustment factor, it contributes zero to a Medicare Advantage beneficiary's RAF score in either version. Coders should check whether provider documentation supports a more specific child code that does map to a payment HCC.

Question 5

What should coders know when reporting C44.131?

Accepted Answer

Verify the specific eyelid location (right upper, right lower, left upper, left lower) in the medical record, as this code represents 'unspecified eyelid' and more specific codes may be available Ensure this code is used only for sebaceous cell carcinoma; other eyelid skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell) have different code assignments

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C44.131

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C44.131 ICD-10-CM Code: Sebaceous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified eyelid, including canthus

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C44.131

Is C44.131 an HCC code?

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Work C44.131 in HCC Buddy