Is C38 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No. C38 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.

Where does C38 sit in the tabular list?

Neoplasms (C00-D49), in the block Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39).

What cannot be coded together with C38?

C38 carries an Excludes1 note, which means the conditions it lists can never be coded together with it on the same encounter.

C38

C38 — Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura

Non-billable headerICD-10-CM

C38 is a non-billable header ICD-10-CM code for malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura. It cannot be billed on its own: choose one of the more specific child codes below.

Excludes1 — never code together

These conditions cannot occur together. Billing both on the same encounter is a denial.

mesothelioma (C45.-)

Other codes that can never be billed with C38

These codes carry an Excludes1 note pointing at C38. The conflict binds both ways, but ICD-10-CM only writes it down on one side — so you would not find this by reading C38 alone.

C45.0Mesothelioma of pleura
C45.2Mesothelioma of pericardium
C49.3Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of thorax

Risk adjustment

C38 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 C38

6 child codes. Green means billable.

Questions about C38

Is C38 a billable ICD-10-CM code?: No. C38 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.
Where does C38 sit in the tabular list?: Neoplasms (C00-D49), in the block Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39).
What cannot be coded together with C38?: C38 carries an Excludes1 note, which means the conditions it lists can never be coded together with it on the same encounter.