C38.2 — Malignant neoplasm of posterior mediastinum
Is C38.2 billable?
Yes — C38.2 is billable for FY2027. C38.2 is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. C38.2 may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
C38.2 at a glance
| Code | C38.2 |
|---|---|
| Description | Malignant neoplasm of posterior mediastinum |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
Which MS-DRGs does C38.2 group to?
C38.2 sits in MDC 04 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.
- 180Respiratory Neoplasms with MCCmedical
- 181Respiratory Neoplasms with CCmedical
- 182Respiratory Neoplasms without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, C38.2 is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from C30-C39
The conditions below can never be reported together with C38.2 on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- mesothelioma (C45.-)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from C38
The conditions below can never be reported together with C38.2 on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- mesothelioma (C45.-)
How long has C38.2 existed?
C38.2 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.