ICD-10 C39
Non-Billable HeaderMalignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs
About ICD-10-CM C39
ICD-10-CM code C39 represents Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs. This is a non-billable header code in the Neoplasms chapter (block C39). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM C39 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 C39. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- intrathoracic malignant neoplasm NOS (C76.1)
- thoracic malignant neoplasm NOS (C76.1)
Use Additional Code
When coding C39, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code to identify:
- 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 C39
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list C39 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 C39.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but C39 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with C39
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 C39
Other codes in section C30-C39 (Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs).
ICD-10 C39, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code C39 billable? +
No, C39 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block C39 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for C39? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with C39): intrathoracic malignant neoplasm NOS (C76.1); thoracic malignant neoplasm NOS (C76.1)
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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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