Is ICD-10-CM code C34 billable?

No, C34 (Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung) 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 C34 belong to?

C34 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C34Not billable, use a more specific code below

Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung

In Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39), chapter 2: Neoplasms

16 billable codes under C34: 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

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

Kaposi's sarcoma of lung (C46.5-)
malignant carcinoid tumor of the bronchus and lung (C7A.090)

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

code to identify:
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)

Also applies, from Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39)

These notes sit on C30-C39 and apply to every code under it, including C34.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

malignant neoplasm of middle ear

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

mesothelioma (C45.-)

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 C34

C34 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

C34 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 16 billable codes under C34 group to MS-DRG 180, 181, or 182 (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 C34

Notes on these codes point to C34.

J60-J70 Excludes2: malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (C34.-)
J93.12 Code First: malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (C34.-)
Z80.1 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C33-C34
Z85.118 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C34

About the condition

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

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells that line the air passages. It is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

Code history

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