Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM C38 is the diagnosis code for Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura. This code falls under the section "Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs" 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.
The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as C38. They are mutually exclusive:
Understanding where C38 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, C38 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
C38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
C38 is located in Section C30-C39 — "Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs" within Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
C38 has 6 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: C38.0, C38.1, C38.2, C38.3, C38.4 and more.
Use C38 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura is C38.
No, C38 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
C38 is in Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Type 1 Excludes for C38 include: mesothelioma (C45.-).
Yes, C38 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.