Is ICD-10-CM code D21 billable?

No, D21 (Other benign neoplasms of connective and other soft tissue) 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 D21 belong to?

D21 belongs to Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: C00–D49 (Neoplasms).

D21Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other benign neoplasms of connective and other soft tissue

In Benign neoplasms, except benign neuroendocrine tumors (D10-D36), chapter 2: Neoplasms

12 billable codes under D21: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

benign neoplasm of blood vessel
benign neoplasm of bursa
benign neoplasm of cartilage
benign neoplasm of fascia
benign neoplasm of fat
benign neoplasm of ligament, except uterine
benign neoplasm of lymphatic channel
benign neoplasm of muscle
benign neoplasm of synovia
benign neoplasm of tendon (sheath)
benign stromal tumors

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

benign neoplasm of articular cartilage (D16.-)
benign neoplasm of cartilage of larynx (D14.1)
benign neoplasm of cartilage of nose (D14.0)
benign neoplasm of connective tissue of breast (D24.-)
benign neoplasm of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system (D36.1-)
benign neoplasm of peritoneum (D20.1)
benign neoplasm of retroperitoneum (D20.0)
benign neoplasm of uterine ligament, any (D28.2)
benign neoplasm of vascular tissue (D18.-)
hemangioma (D18.0-)
lipomatous neoplasm (D17.-)
lymphangioma (D18.1)
uterine leiomyoma (D25.-)

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 D21

D21 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

D21 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 12 billable codes under D21 group to MS-DRG 564, 565, or 566 (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 D21

Notes on these codes point to D21.

D16 Excludes1: benign neoplasm of synovia (D21.-)
M63 Code First: neoplasm (C49.-, C79.89, D21.-, D48.1-)

About the condition

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

Benign Tumors

Tumors are abnormal growths in your body. They can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer. Malignant ones are. Benign tumors grow only in one place. They cannot spread or invade other parts of your body. Even so, they can be dangerous if they press on vital organs, such as your brain.

Code history

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