ICD-10 C09
Non-Billable HeaderMalignant neoplasm of tonsil
About ICD-10-CM C09
ICD-10-CM code C09 represents Malignant neoplasm of tonsil. This is a non-billable header code in the Neoplasms chapter (block C09). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM C09 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 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of C09, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil (C02.4)
- malignant neoplasm of pharyngeal tonsil (C11.1)
Use Additional Code
When coding C09, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
- exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
- exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
- history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
- occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
- tobacco dependence (F17.-)
- tobacco use (Z72.0)
Medicare LCD Coverage for C09
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list C09 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 C09.
3 Cigna
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with C09
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 C09
Other codes in section C00-C14 (Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx).
ICD-10 C09, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code C09 billable? +
No, C09 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block C09 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for C09? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil (C02.4); malignant neoplasm of pharyngeal tonsil (C11.1)
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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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