C77.0 — Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck
Is C77.0 billable?
Yes, but C77.0 is an unspecified code. C77.0 is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, C77.0 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 C77.0 — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- C77.1Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrathoracic lymph nodes
- C77.2Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intra-abdominal lymph nodes
- C77.3Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of axilla and upper limb lymph nodes
- C77.4Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of inguinal and lower limb lymph nodes
- C77.5Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrapelvic lymph nodes
- C77.8Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of multiple regions
- C77.9Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph node, unspecified
C77.0 at a glance
| Code | C77.0 |
|---|---|
| Description | Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
Which MS-DRGs does C77.0 group to?
C77.0 sits in MDC Pre 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.
- 011Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCCsurgical
- 012Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CCsurgical
- 013Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCCsurgical
As a secondary diagnosis, C77.0 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 C77.0.
- Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of supraclavicular lymph nodes
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from C77
The conditions below can never be reported together with C77.0 on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
How long has C77.0 existed?
C77.0 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 C77 family? (7)
- C77.1Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrathoracic lymph nodes
- C77.2Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intra-abdominal lymph nodes
- C77.3Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of axilla and upper limb lymph nodes
- C77.4Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of inguinal and lower limb lymph nodes
- C77.5Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrapelvic lymph nodes
- C77.8Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of multiple regions
- C77.9Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph node, unspecified