C09
Non-Billable

Malignant neoplasm of tonsil

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Malignant neoplasm of tonsil?

ICD-10-CM C09 is the diagnosis code for Malignant neoplasm of tonsil. This code falls under the section "Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx" within Chapter 2 — Neoplasms (C00-D49). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for C09

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in C09. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil (C02.4)
  • malignant neoplasm of pharyngeal tonsil (C11.1)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where C09 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeC09 — Malignant neoplasm of tonsil
Sub-Codes 4 entries
C09.0Malignant neoplasm of tonsillar fossaBillableC09.1Malignant neoplasm of tonsillar pillar (anterior) (posterior)BillableC09.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tonsilBillableC09.9Malignant neoplasm of tonsil, unspecifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is C09 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, C09 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does C09 mean?

C09 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Malignant neoplasm of tonsil". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is C09 in?

C09 is located in Section C00-C14 — "Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx" within Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of C09?

C09 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: C09.0, C09.1, C09.8, C09.9.

When should I use C09?

Use C09 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Malignant neoplasm of tonsil" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Malignant neoplasm of tonsil?

The ICD-10-CM code for Malignant neoplasm of tonsil is C09.

Can C09 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, C09 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is C09 in?

C09 is in Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is C09 valid for 2026?

Yes, C09 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousC08.9Malignant neoplasm of major salivary gland, unspecifiedNext →C09.0Malignant neoplasm of tonsillar fossa
Code Details
C09
Malignant neoplasm of tonsil
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
2 — Neoplasms (C00-D49)
C00-C14 — Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx
2026 ICD-10-CM