C15-C26
Medium Complexity
Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs
Primary Specialty: Gastroenterology
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (63)
63 billable0 category headers
C16Billable
C16.0Billable
C16.1Billable
C16.2Billable
C16.3Billable
C16.4Billable
C16.5Billable
C16.6Billable
C16.8Billable
C16.9Billable
C17Billable
C17.0Billable
C17.1Billable
C17.2Billable
C17.3Billable
C17.8Billable
C17.9Billable
C18Billable
C18.0Billable
C18.1Billable
C18.2Billable
C18.3Billable
C18.4Billable
C18.5Billable
C18.6Billable
C18.7Billable
C18.8Billable
C18.9Billable
C19Billable
C20Billable
C21Billable
C21.0Billable
C21.1Billable
C21.2Billable
C21.8Billable
C22Billable
C22.0Billable
C22.1Billable
C22.2Billable
C22.3Billable
C22.4Billable
C22.7Billable
C22.8Billable
C22.9Billable
C23Billable
C24Billable
C24.0Billable
C24.1Billable
C24.8Billable
C24.9Billable
C25Billable
C25.0Billable
C25.1Billable
C25.2Billable
C25.3Billable
C25.4Billable
C25.7Billable
C25.8Billable
C25.9Billable
C26Billable
C26.0Billable
C26.1Billable
C26.9Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (1)
C16.9
Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecified, with microsatellite instability
Revised Codes (2)
C18.1
Malignant neoplasm of appendix - updated to include mismatch repair status
C25.9
Malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified - enhanced molecular markers
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Added molecular markers for gastrointestinal cancers
- •FY 2024: Enhanced coding for hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
- •FY 2023: Updated gastroesophageal junction tumor classification
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed immunotherapy response coding for GI malignancies
- •Under consideration: Tumor microenvironment classification codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for C15-C26 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range C15-C26 pertains to malignant neoplasms of digestive organs. These codes are used to document various types of malignant neoplasms, including those of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and other parts of the digestive system. The codes are detailed, allowing for specification of the neoplasm's location, type, and behavior.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity, indicating the exact location and type of the neoplasm.
- •Use additional codes to document any associated conditions or complications.
- •For neoplasms of uncertain behavior, use codes from the D37-D48 range.
- •For benign neoplasms, use codes from the D10-D36 range.
- •For secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasms, use codes from the C77-C80 range.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs.
- ✓When a patient is receiving treatment for a malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs.
- ✓When a patient is being monitored for recurrence of a malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs.
- ✓When a patient has a history of malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the neoplasm is benign or of uncertain behavior.
- ✗When the neoplasm is located outside the digestive organs.
- ✗When the patient has a history of malignant neoplasm, but no current diagnosis or treatment.
- ✗When the patient is being screened for malignant neoplasms, but no diagnosis has been made.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the most current ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
When documenting a malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs, include detailed information about the neoplasm's location, type, and behavior. Also document any associated conditions or complications, as well as the patient's treatment plan.
Clinical Information:
- •Exact location of the neoplasm
- •Type of the neoplasm (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.)
- •Behavior of the neoplasm (invasive, in situ, etc.)
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Pathology reports
- •Imaging studies
- •Surgical reports
- •Oncology consultation notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Pathology report confirms diagnosis. Patient to begin chemotherapy.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has colon cancer.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not coding to the highest level of specificity
- âš Not documenting associated conditions or complications
- âš Not including supporting evidence
- âš Using an incorrect code for the neoplasm's behavior
Range Statistics
12
Total Codes
63
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:2
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs can be complex due to the need for precise information about the neoplasm's location, type, and behavior. Additionally, coders must be aware of associated conditions or complications and code them appropriately. Changes in coding guidelines and exclusions can also add to the complexity.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the exact location and type of the neoplasm
- â–¸Coding associated conditions or complications
- â–¸Keeping up with changes in coding guidelines
- â–¸Navigating exclusions
Specialty Focus
The C15-C26 range is most commonly used by gastroenterologists, oncologists, and general surgeons. These specialists diagnose and treat malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs.
Primary Specialties:
Gastroenterology
40%
Oncology
35%
General Surgery
25%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with dysphagia and weight loss. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy reveals an esophageal neoplasm, which is confirmed to be malignant on biopsy.
- • A patient with a history of colon cancer presents for a follow-up colonoscopy. No recurrence is noted.
- • A patient presents with jaundice. Imaging reveals a mass in the pancreas, and a biopsy confirms pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
- • A patient undergoes a partial gastrectomy for a gastric adenocarcinoma. The pathology report confirms clear margins.
Resources & References
Numerous resources are available to assist with coding malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs. These include the ICD-10 coding manual, official coding guidelines, clinical references, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Guidelines
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10 Provider Resources
Clinical References:
- American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
Educational Materials:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 Training
- AHIMA ICD-10-CM Coding Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code a malignant neoplasm of the digestive organs that has metastasized?
Use a code from the C15-C26 range for the primary neoplasm, and a code from the C77-C80 range for the secondary (metastatic) neoplasm. Always code the primary neoplasm first.