ICDcodes.org
FY2027

C39.9 — Malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified

BillableUnspecified

Is C39.9 billable?

Yes, but C39.9 is an unspecified code. C39.9 is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, C39.9 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 C39.9 — the more specific alternatives are listed below.

C39.9 at a glance

CodeC39.9
DescriptionMalignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified
BillableYes
Code setICD-10-CM FY2027
Valid for encountersOctober 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027

Which MS-DRGs does C39.9 group to?

C39.9 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

Inclusion terms

Alternative wording in documentation that is classified to C39.9.

  • Malignant neoplasm of respiratory tract NOS

Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from C30-C39

The conditions below can never be reported together with C39.9 on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.

Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from C39

The conditions below can never be reported together with C39.9 on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.

  • intrathoracic malignant neoplasm NOS (C76.1)
  • thoracic malignant neoplasm NOS (C76.1)

Use additional code — inherited from C39

Report an additional code alongside C39.9 to fully describe the condition. C39.9 is sequenced first.

  • code to identify:
  • exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
  • exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
  • history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
  • occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
  • tobacco dependence (F17.-)
  • tobacco use (Z72.0)

How long has C39.9 existed?

C39.9 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 C39 family? (1)