ICD-10 C78
Non-Billable HeaderSecondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory and digestive organs
About ICD-10-CM C78
ICD-10-CM code C78 represents Secondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory and digestive organs. This is a non-billable header code in the chapter (block C78). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM C78 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 C78. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- secondary carcinoid tumors of liver (C7B.02)
- secondary carcinoid tumors of peritoneum (C7B.04)
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of C78, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- lymph node metastases (C77.0)
Medicare LCD Coverage for C78
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list C78 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 C78.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but C78 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with C78
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 C78
Other codes in section C76-C80 (Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites).
ICD-10 C78, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code C78 billable? +
No, C78 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block C78 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for C78? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with C78): secondary carcinoid tumors of liver (C7B.02); secondary carcinoid tumors of peritoneum (C7B.04)
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for C78? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): lymph node metastases (C77.0)
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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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