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 CodesD15.9

D15.9

Billable

Benign neoplasm of intrathoracic organ, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D15.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign neoplasm of intrathoracic organ, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D15.9 refers to a benign neoplasm located in an intrathoracic organ, which includes structures such as the lungs, pleura, mediastinum, and heart. Benign neoplasms are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body. Common types of benign neoplasms in the thoracic cavity include hamartomas, lipomas, and fibromas. While these tumors are generally asymptomatic, they can occasionally cause symptoms due to their size or location, such as cough, chest pain, or respiratory distress. Surveillance for benign neoplasms is essential, as they may require monitoring for changes in size or symptoms. Although benign, some neoplasms can have malignant potential, necessitating careful evaluation and follow-up. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type of benign neoplasm is not documented, which may complicate treatment and management decisions. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate patient care and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the neoplasm complicates treatment planning.
  • Variety of benign neoplasms can exist in the thoracic cavity.
  • Potential for malignant transformation requires careful monitoring.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the benign nature to avoid misclassification.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the neoplasm's characteristics.
  • Failure to specify the organ involved may lead to coding errors.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for surveillance.
  • Misclassification as malignant due to insufficient detail.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports and biopsy results if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with incidental findings on chest X-rays or CT scans.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the benign nature is clearly documented to avoid confusion with malignancies.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pathology reports and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a history of benign tumors requiring surveillance.

Billing Considerations

Document any changes in size or symptoms to justify ongoing monitoring.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D15.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D15
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of benign neoplasm is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that the neoplasm is confirmed as benign

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D15.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32405CPT Code

Thoracotomy, with excision of lung lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when a benign lung neoplasm is surgically removed.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons should ensure clear documentation of the benign nature.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes. D15.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified benign neoplasms, but coders are encouraged to use more specific codes when available.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes. D15.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified benign neoplasms, but coders are encouraged to use more specific codes when available.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of benign neoplasms, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes. D15.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified benign neoplasms, but coders are encouraged to use more specific codes when available.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of coding D15.9?

Coding D15.9 is significant as it indicates the presence of a benign neoplasm in the thoracic cavity, which requires monitoring and may impact treatment decisions. Accurate coding ensures appropriate resource allocation and patient management.