Is ICD-10-CM code C38 billable?

No, C38 (Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura) 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 C38 belong to?

C38 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C38Non-billable

Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura

Neoplasms·Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39)·category·FY 2026

Use a more specific code (6 billable)

C38.0Malignant neoplasm of heart C38.1Malignant neoplasm of anterior mediastinum C38.2Malignant neoplasm of posterior mediastinum C38.3Malignant neoplasm of mediastinum, part unspecified C38.4Malignant neoplasm of pleura C38.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of heart, mediastinum and pleura

C30-C39 Parent Instructions

Includes

malignant neoplasm of middle ear

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

mesothelioma (C45.-)

Instructional Notes

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

mesothelioma (C45.-)

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes

CH2Neoplasms (C00-D49)

C30-C39Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39)

C38Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleuraNot billable

C38.0Malignant neoplasm of heartBillable

C38.1Malignant neoplasm of anterior mediastinumBillable

C38.2Malignant neoplasm of posterior mediastinumBillable

C38.3Malignant neoplasm of mediastinum, part unspecifiedBillable

C38.4Malignant neoplasm of pleuraBillable

C38.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of heart, mediastinum and pleuraBillable

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.