Is C09 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No. C09 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.

Where does C09 sit in the tabular list?

Neoplasms (C00-D49), in the block Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14).

C09

C09 — Malignant neoplasm of tonsil

Non-billable headerICD-10-CM

C09 is a non-billable header ICD-10-CM code for malignant neoplasm of tonsil. It cannot be billed on its own: choose one of the more specific child codes below.

Excludes2 — not included here, but may coexist

The excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient can have both. You may code both.

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

Use additional code

Add a secondary code to capture the detail described below.

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
tobacco dependence (F17.-)
tobacco use (Z72.0)

Risk adjustment

C09 does not map to an HCC and does not risk-adjust under CMS-HCC V28. That is normal — most ICD-10 codes do not. It still needs to be coded correctly; it just will not move a RAF score.

Code to one of these instead C09

4 child codes. Green means billable.

Questions about C09

Is C09 a billable ICD-10-CM code?: No. C09 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.
Where does C09 sit in the tabular list?: Neoplasms (C00-D49), in the block Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14).