ICD-10 C05
Non-Billable HeaderMalignant neoplasm of palate
About ICD-10-CM C05
ICD-10-CM code C05 represents Malignant neoplasm of palate. This is a non-billable header code in the Neoplasms chapter (block C05). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM C05 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with C05. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- Kaposi's sarcoma of palate (C46.2)
Use Additional Code
When coding C05, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
- history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
- tobacco dependence (F17.-)
- tobacco use (Z72.0)
Medicare LCD Coverage for C05
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list C05 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing C05.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but C05 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with C05
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To C05
Other codes in section C00-C14 (Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx).
ICD-10 C05, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code C05 billable? +
No, C05 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block C05 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for C05? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with C05): Kaposi's sarcoma of palate (C46.2)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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