C76-C80
Medium Complexity
Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites
Primary Specialty: Oncology
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (63)
63 billable0 category headers
C77Billable
C77.0Billable
C77.1Billable
C77.2Billable
C77.3Billable
C77.4Billable
C77.5Billable
C77.8Billable
C77.9Billable
C78Billable
C78.0Billable
C78.00Billable
C78.01Billable
C78.02Billable
C78.1Billable
C78.2Billable
C78.3Billable
C78.30Billable
C78.39Billable
C78.4Billable
C78.5Billable
C78.6Billable
C78.7Billable
C78.8Billable
C78.80Billable
C78.89Billable
C79Billable
C79.0Billable
C79.00Billable
C79.01Billable
C79.02Billable
C79.1Billable
C79.10Billable
C79.11Billable
C79.19Billable
C79.2Billable
C79.3Billable
C79.31Billable
C79.32Billable
C79.4Billable
C79.40Billable
C79.49Billable
C79.5Billable
C79.51Billable
C79.52Billable
C79.6Billable
C79.60Billable
C79.61Billable
C79.62Billable
C79.63Billable
C79.7Billable
C79.70Billable
C79.71Billable
C79.72Billable
C79.8Billable
C79.81Billable
C79.82Billable
C79.89Billable
C79.9Billable
C80Billable
C80.0Billable
C80.1Billable
C80.2Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (2)
C02.9
Malignant neoplasm of tongue, unspecified, HPV-positive
C10.8
Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of oropharynx, HPV-positive
Revised Codes (2)
C01
Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue - updated to include HPV status when known
C09.9
Malignant neoplasm of tonsil, unspecified - enhanced molecular classification
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for C76-C80 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 C76-C80 pertains to Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary, and unspecified sites. These codes are used to document malignant tumors that are not specifically localized, secondary cancers, and cancers of unspecified sites. They are crucial in accurately documenting a patient's cancer status, aiding in treatment planning, and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for services.
Key Usage Points:
- •C76 codes are used for malignant neoplasms of other and ill-defined sites.
- •C77 codes represent secondary and unspecified lymph nodes.
- •C78 codes are for secondary malignant neoplasms of respiratory and digestive systems.
- •C79 codes are for secondary malignant neoplasms of other and unspecified sites.
- •C80 codes are used when the primary site of the malignant neoplasm is unspecified.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient has a malignant neoplasm of an ill-defined site.
- ✓When a patient has a secondary malignant neoplasm of a specified or unspecified site.
- ✓When the primary site of a malignant neoplasm is unknown.
- ✓When a patient has a secondary malignant neoplasm of the respiratory or digestive system.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the primary site of the malignant neoplasm is known and specific.
- ✗When the patient has a benign or unspecified neoplasm.
- ✗When the patient has a history of malignant neoplasm, but no current malignancy.
- ✗When the patient has a neoplasm of uncertain behavior.
Code Exclusions
Always cross-verify the patient's condition with the exclusion list to ensure accurate coding.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for C76-C80 codes requires detailed information about the patient's condition. This includes the type, location, and behavior of the neoplasm, as well as any secondary sites if applicable.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of neoplasm (malignant)
- •Location of the neoplasm
- •Whether the neoplasm is primary, secondary, or unspecified
- •If secondary, the site of the original neoplasm
Supporting Evidence:
- •Pathology reports
- •Imaging studies
- •Surgical notes
- •Oncologist's notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient has a secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver, originating from a primary neoplasm in the colon.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has cancer.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of neoplasm
- âš Not documenting the site of the neoplasm
- âš Not indicating whether the neoplasm is primary or secondary
- âš Not providing supporting evidence
Range Statistics
7
Total Codes
63
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:2
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
The complexity of coding in this range is medium due to the need to accurately identify the site and nature of the neoplasm, as well as whether it is primary or secondary. This often requires interpretation of complex clinical information and supporting documentation.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining whether the neoplasm is primary or secondary
- â–¸Identifying the site of the neoplasm
- â–¸Understanding the nature of the neoplasm
- â–¸Interpreting supporting documentation
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used in oncology, but may also be used in other specialties when dealing with patients with a history of cancer.
Primary Specialties:
Oncology
85%
Pulmonology
10%
Gastroenterology
5%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones
- • A patient with a malignant neoplasm of an unspecified site
- • A patient with a secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver from a primary colon cancer
- • A patient with a malignant neoplasm of an ill-defined site in the abdomen
Resources & References
Resources for these codes include the official ICD-10-CM guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources on medical coding.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines
Clinical References:
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
Educational Materials:
- AAPC ICD-10 training
- AHIMA ICD-10 training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can C76-C80 codes be used for benign neoplasms?
No, these codes are specifically for malignant neoplasms. Benign neoplasms have their own codes in the D10-D36 range.