FY2027
MenuClose
Excludes1 pair

D48- vs D48.0

D48 and D48.0 are not coded together. ICD-10-CM declares them mutually exclusive with an Excludes1 note — the two conditions are not expected to occur together, so exactly one of them is normally correct for a given encounter. The Official Guidelines carve out one exception: if the two conditions are clearly unrelated to each other, both may be reported.

The official note, declared on D48.0
neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cartilage of ear (D48.1-)
D48

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other and unspecified sites

Not billable
Chapter 2
Neoplasms
Section
D37-D48
D48.0

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of bone and articular cartilage

Billable
Chapter 2
Neoplasms
Section
D37-D48
Indexed under
  • Ecchondrosis
  • Osteoclastoma
  • Tumor › giant cell › bone

Excludes1 is not always absolute: where two conditions covered by the note are genuinely unrelated, CMS guidance permits reporting both. Document the reasoning rather than assuming it. More on Excludes1 vs Excludes2 · FY2027