ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC49.9

C49.9

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C49.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C49.9 refers to malignant neoplasms arising from connective and soft tissues, which include a variety of sarcomas that can occur in different anatomical locations. Soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors that can originate from muscle, fat, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. The classification of these tumors is based on histological type, grade, and stage. Grading is crucial as it indicates the aggressiveness of the tumor, with higher grades typically associated with poorer prognosis. Multidisciplinary management is essential for optimal outcomes, involving surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, tailored to the specific type and stage of the sarcoma. Accurate coding is vital for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, necessitating thorough documentation of the tumor's characteristics and the treatment approach.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of soft tissue sarcoma types and their specific characteristics
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor location and histology
  • Grading and staging complexities that influence treatment
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with benign conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Failure to specify the location of the neoplasm
  • Misclassification of tumor grade
  • Lack of multidisciplinary treatment documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, treatment plans, and follow-up notes are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of soft tissue sarcomas, including staging and treatment response.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate grading and staging documentation to support coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing surgical procedures and findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas and reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Document margins and any complications to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C49.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific type of soft tissue sarcoma is not documented
  • Include additional codes for any associated conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C49.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

19301CPT Code

Mastectomy, partial

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where a soft tissue sarcoma is located in the breast.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Oncology and surgical documentation must align for accurate coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of soft tissue sarcomas, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing treatment planning. C49.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of soft tissue sarcomas, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing treatment planning. C49.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of soft tissue sarcomas, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing treatment planning. C49.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use C49.9?

C49.9 should be used when a malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue is diagnosed, but the specific type is not documented. Always strive for specificity when coding.