ICD-10 C49
Non-Billable HeaderMalignant neoplasm of other connective and soft tissue
About ICD-10-CM C49
ICD-10-CM code C49 represents Malignant neoplasm of other connective and soft tissue. This is a non-billable header code in the Neoplasms chapter (block C49). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM C49 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 C49. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- malignant neoplasm of cartilage (of):
- articular (C40-C41)
- larynx (C32.3)
- nose (C30.0)
- malignant neoplasm of connective tissue of breast (C50.-)
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of C49, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- Kaposi's sarcoma of soft tissue (C46.1)
- malignant neoplasm of heart (C38.0)
- malignant neoplasm of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system (C47.-)
- malignant neoplasm of peritoneum (C48.2)
- malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum (C48.0)
- malignant neoplasm of uterine ligament (C57.3)
- mesothelioma (C45.-)
Includes
- malignant neoplasm of blood vessel
- malignant neoplasm of bursa
- malignant neoplasm of cartilage
- malignant neoplasm of fascia
- malignant neoplasm of fat
- malignant neoplasm of ligament, except uterine
- malignant neoplasm of lymphatic vessel
- malignant neoplasm of muscle
- malignant neoplasm of synovia
- malignant neoplasm of tendon (sheath)
Medicare LCD Coverage for C49
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list C49 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 C49.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but C49 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with C49
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 C49
Other codes in section C45-C49 (Malignant neoplasms of mesothelial and soft tissue).
ICD-10 C49, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code C49 billable? +
No, C49 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block C49 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for C49? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with C49): malignant neoplasm of cartilage (of):; articular (C40-C41); larynx (C32.3)
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for C49? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): Kaposi's sarcoma of soft tissue (C46.1); malignant neoplasm of heart (C38.0); malignant neoplasm of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system (C47.-)
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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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