Is ICD-10-CM code C90 billable?

No, C90 (Multiple myeloma and malignant plasma cell neoplasms) 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 C90 belong to?

C90 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

C90Not billable, use a more specific code below

Multiple myeloma and malignant plasma cell neoplasms

In Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue (C81-C96), chapter 2: Neoplasms

12 billable codes under C90: all are a CC; all map to HCC 19 (Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Multiple Myeloma, and Other 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

personal history of other malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissues (Z85.79)

Also applies, from Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue (C81-C96)

These notes sit on C81-C96 and apply to every code under it, including C90.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

Kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nodes (C46.3)
secondary and unspecified neoplasm of lymph nodes (C77.-)
secondary neoplasm of bone marrow (C79.52)
secondary neoplasm of spleen (C78.89)

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 C90

C90 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

C90 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 12 billable codes under C90 group to these 9 MS-DRGs (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 C90

Notes on these codes point to C90.

Z80.7 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C81-C90, C96.-
Z85.79 Includes: Conditions classifiable to C88-C90, C96

About the condition

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

Cancer

Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Usually, your body forms new cells as needed, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor.

Code history

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