2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.299Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left ear and external auricular canal
ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C43-C44›C44
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Chronic Condition
C44.299 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left ear and external auricular canal. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 606 through 607. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Skin cancers - all other types.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Table of NeoplasmsClinical
Anatomical sites in the Table of Neoplasms that reference this code family.
| Site | Malig. Primary | Malig. Secondary | Ca in situ | Benign | Uncertain | Unspec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ear (external) [See Also: Neoplasm, skin, ear] › skin › specified type NEC | C44.29 | – | – | – | – | – |
| earlobe › specified type NEC | C44.29 | – | – | – | – | – |
| skin NOS › ear (external) › specified type NEC | C44.29 | – | – | – | – | – |
Patient EducationClinical
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.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
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Convert C44.299 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About C44.299Overview
Is C44.299 a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left ear and external auricular canal on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does C44.299 group to?
When other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left ear and external auricular canal is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 606, 607, with relative weights from 0.9064 to 1.5132 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of C44.299?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of left ear and external auricular canal converts to ICD-9-CM 173.29 (neo skin ear/ex canl NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:
- The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
- The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.
