Is ICD-10-CM code C15 billable?

No, C15 (Malignant neoplasm of esophagus) 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 C15 belong to?

C15 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C15

Non-Billable

ChapterC00–D49

Rankcategory

Description

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

About ICD-10-CM code C15

Under C00-D49 Neoplasms, within Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs (C15-C26), ICD-10-CM code C15 describes Malignant neoplasm of esophagus. This code cannot be billed directly because more specific child codes exist beneath it.

Use a more specific code (5 billable)

C15.3Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus C15.4Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagus C15.5Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagus C15.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagus C15.9Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified

Metadata & Insights

•Non-billable category (requires more specific sub-code).
•Chapter 2: Neoplasms (C00-D49).

C15-C26 Parent Instructions

Excludes1(Not coded here. Use a different code.)

Kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites (C46.4)

Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)

gastrointestinal stromal tumors (C49.A-)

Instructional Notes

Use Additional Code

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes

CH2Neoplasms (C00-D49)

C15-C26Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs (C15-C26)

C15Malignant neoplasm of esophagusNot billable

C15.3Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagusBillable

C15.4Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagusBillable

C15.5Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagusBillable

C15.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagusBillable

C15.9Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecifiedBillable

Applicable Ancestor Context

The following parent sections contain instructions or notes that apply to C15:

blockC15-C26

Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs (C15-C26)

View context instructions

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.

Cross Reference

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