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).

C15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

In Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs (C15-C26), chapter 2: Neoplasms

5 billable codes under C15: all are a CC; all map to HCC 20 (Lung and Other Severe Cancers).A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment. An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

Instructional notes

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

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

Also applies, from Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs (C15-C26)

These notes sit on C15-C26 and apply to every code under it, including C15.

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-)

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 C15

C15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

C15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 5 billable codes under C15 group to MS-DRG 374, 375, or 376 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to C15

Notes on these codes point to C15.

K22.7 Excludes1: malignant neoplasm of esophagus (C15.-)
Z80.0 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C15-C26
Z85.01 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C15

About the condition

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

Esophageal Cancer

The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Later, you may have symptoms such as:

Code history

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