Is ICD-10-CM code C71 billable?

No, C71 (Malignant neoplasm of brain) 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 C71 belong to?

C71 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C71Not billable, use a more specific code below

Malignant neoplasm of brain

In Malignant neoplasms of eye, brain and other parts of central nervous system (C69-C72), chapter 2: Neoplasms

10 billable codes under C71: 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

malignant neoplasm of cranial nerves (C72.2-C72.5)
retrobulbar malignant neoplasm (C69.6-)

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 C71

C71 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

C71 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 10 billable codes under C71 group to MS-DRG 054 or 055 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

About the condition

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

Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is a growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign, with no cancer cells, or malignant, with cancer cells that grow quickly. Some are primary brain tumors, which start in the brain. Others are metastatic, and they start somewhere else in the body and move to the brain.

Code history

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