ICD-10-CM
ICD-10 code for Esophageal cancer: C15.9
The CDC title for "Esophageal cancer" is C15 (Malignant neoplasm of esophagus), a header that is not billable. When nothing more specific is documented, the billable code is C15.9, Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified.
Source: CDC ICD-10-CM FY2027 order file dated June 16, 2026. Publisher page
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Codes under C15, then other CDC titles that name malignant neoplasm of esophagus
A header groups codes and is not billed. A billable code is one you can report.
- C15Malignant neoplasm of esophagusHeader
- C15.3Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagusBillable
- C15.4Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagusBillable
- C15.5Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagusBillable
- C15.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagusBillable
- C15.9Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecifiedBillable
- Z85.01Personal history of malignant neoplasm of esophagusBillable
Use additional code
The CDC tabular list says to add the code named here after this one when it applies.
From C15. A note on a category applies to every code under it.
Use additional code to identify:
Related conditions
Related pages
- C15.9 code detailsNotes, nearby codes, CMS-HCC group
- Category C15Every code under it
- Chapter 2Neoplasms
- ICD-10 codes by conditionA to Z
- Check a list of ICD-10 codes
- Denial code CO-11Diagnosis does not support the procedure
- Denial code CO-146Diagnosis invalid for the date of service
- HCPCS Level II code lookup
Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for Esophageal cancer?
The CDC title for "Esophageal cancer" is C15 (Malignant neoplasm of esophagus), a header that is not billable. When nothing more specific is documented, the billable code is C15.9, Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified.
Is C15.9 billable?
Yes. C15.9 is a billable code in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM file. Use a more specific code when the record documents one.
What documentation notes apply to C15.9?
The CDC tabular list gives 2 "use additional code" notes for C15.9 and the categories above it. They are listed on this page.
What chapter is C15.9 in?
Chapter 2. Neoplasms.
When do ICD-10-CM codes change?
Every October 1, with the new fiscal year file. Some years add April 1 updates. This page uses the FY2027 file, effective October 1, 2026.