C79.9
Billable

Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site

Billable / Specific Code

What is Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site?

ICD-10-CM C79.9 is the diagnosis code for Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site. This code falls under the section "Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites" within Chapter 2 — Neoplasms (C00-D49). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for C79.9

✅ This Code Includes

  • Metastatic cancer NOS
  • Metastatic disease NOS

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as C79.9. They are mutually exclusive:

  • carcinomatosis NOS (C80.0)
  • generalized cancer NOS (C80.0)
  • malignant (primary) neoplasm of unspecified site (C80.1)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where C79.9 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is C79.9 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, C79.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does C79.9 mean?

C79.9 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of C79.9?

The parent code of C79.9 is C79 ("Secondary malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified sites"). C79.9 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is C79.9 in?

C79.9 is located in Section C76-C80 — "Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites" within Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use C79.9?

Use C79.9 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site" 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 Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site?

The ICD-10-CM code for Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site is C79.9.

Can C79.9 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, C79.9 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is C79.9 in?

C79.9 is in Chapter 2 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from C79.9?

Type 1 Excludes for C79.9 include: carcinomatosis NOS (C80.0); generalized cancer NOS (C80.0); malignant (primary) neoplasm of unspecified site (C80.1).

Is C79.9 valid for 2026?

Yes, C79.9 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousC79.89Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sitesNext →C7AMalignant neuroendocrine tumors
Code Details
C79.9
Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site
Billable / Specific Code
2 — Neoplasms (C00-D49)
C76-C80 — Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites
2026 ICD-10-CM