2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.1291Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C43-C44›C44

ICD-10-CM C44.1291
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

C44.1291 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 124 through 125. Coders also document this condition as primary squamous cell carcinoma of left upper eyelid. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Skin cancers - squamous cell carcinoma.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
C44.1291
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus
Short Description
Squamous cell carcinoma skin/ left upper eyelid, inc canthus
Parent Code
C44.129
Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionC43-C44Melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skin
CategoryC44Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin
This CodeC44.1291Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Primary squamous cell carcinoma of left upper eyelid

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NEO027
Skin cancers - squamous cell carcinoma
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Eyelid Disorders

Your eyelids help protect your eyes. When you blink, your eyelids spread moisture over your eyes. Blinking also helps move dirt or other particles off the surface of the eye. You close your eyelids when you see something coming toward your eyes. This can help protect against injuries.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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Code History & ChangesHistory

Replacement C44.1291 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):

  • C44.129 - Squamous cell carcinoma skin/ left eyelid, including canthus
FY 2019AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2018.
FY 2020–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About C44.1291Overview

Is C44.1291 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does C44.1291 group to?

When squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper eyelid, including canthus is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 124, 125, with relative weights from 0.7678 to 1.3231 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.