ICDcodes.org
FY2027

C16.5 — Malignant neoplasm of lesser curvature of stomach, unspecified

BillableUnspecifiedCC

Is C16.5 billable?

Yes, but C16.5 is an unspecified code. C16.5 is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, C16.5 is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting C16.5 — the more specific alternatives are listed below.

C16.5 at a glance

CodeC16.5
DescriptionMalignant neoplasm of lesser curvature of stomach, unspecified
BillableYes
Code setICD-10-CM FY2027
Valid for encountersOctober 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027

Which MS-DRGs does C16.5 group to?

C16.5 sits in MDC 06 and helps define the logic of 3 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.

  • 374Digestive Malignancy with MCCmedical
  • 375Digestive Malignancy with CCmedical
  • 376Digestive Malignancy without CC/MCCmedical

As a secondary diagnosis, C16.5 is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.

Inclusion terms

Alternative wording in documentation that is classified to C16.5.

  • Malignant neoplasm of lesser curvature of stomach, not classifiable to C16.1-C16.4

Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from C15-C26

The conditions below can never be reported together with C16.5 on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.

  • Kaposi's sarcoma of gastrointestinal sites (C46.4)

Use additional code — inherited from C16

Report an additional code alongside C16.5 to fully describe the condition. C16.5 is sequenced first.

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from C15-C26

The conditions below are not part of C16.5, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, C16.5 and the excluded code may both be reported.

  • gastrointestinal stromal tumors (C49.A-)

Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from C16

The conditions below are not part of C16.5, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, C16.5 and the excluded code may both be reported.

  • malignant carcinoid tumor of the stomach (C7A.092)

How long has C16.5 existed?

C16.5 has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.

Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.

What other codes are in the C16 family? (8)