Is ICD-10-CM code C10 billable?

No, C10 (Malignant neoplasm of oropharynx) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code C10 belong to?

C10 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C10Not billable, use a more specific code below

Malignant neoplasm of oropharynx

In Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14), chapter 2: Neoplasms

7 billable codes under C10: none are a CC or MCC; all map to HCC 21 (Lymphoma and Other Cancers).An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

malignant neoplasm of tonsil (C09.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
tobacco dependence (F17.-)
tobacco use (Z72.0)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding benign and malignant neoplasms: using the Neoplasm Table, sequencing primary and secondary sites, treatment encounters, complications, and current cancer versus personal history.

Admission/Encounter for treatment of primary site (page 33)
Admission/Encounter for treatment of secondary site (page 33)
Coding and sequencing of complications (page 34)
Primary malignancy previously excised (page 34)
Admissions/Encounters involving antineoplastic chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy (page 35)
Admission/encounter to determine extent of malignancy (page 36)
Symptoms, signs, and abnormal findings listed in Chapter 18 associated with neoplasms (page 36)
Admission/encounter for pain control/management (page 36)

Read Section I.C.2 (page 32), 12 more topics

All codes under C10

C10 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

C10 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Throat cancer has different names, depending on which part of the throat is affected. The different parts of your throat are called the oropharynx, the hypopharynx, the nasopharynx, and the larynx, or voice box.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.