2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C70Malignant neoplasm of meninges

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C69-C72›C70

ICD-10-CM C70
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

C70 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for malignant neoplasm of meninges, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as C70.0, C70.1, and C70.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
C70
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of meninges
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of meninges
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
C69-C72
Malignant neoplasms of eye, brain and other parts of central nervous system

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionC69-C72Malignant neoplasms of eye, brain and other parts of central nervous system
CategoryC70Malignant neoplasm of meninges
This CodeC70Malignant neoplasm of meninges

Specific Coding for Malignant neoplasm of meningesOverview

Non-specific codes like C70 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use C70.0 for Malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges

  • Use C70.1 for Malignant neoplasm of spinal meninges

  • Use C70.9 for Malignant neoplasm of meninges, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to C70: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 2. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 2 (C00-D49) Neoplasms applies to 1,730 codes
  • Functional activity
  • All neoplasms are classified in this chapter, whether they are functionally active or not. An additional code from Chapter 4 may be used, to identify functional activity associated with any neoplasm.
  • Morphology [Histology]
  • Chapter 2 classifies neoplasms primarily by site (topography), with broad groupings for behavior, malignant, in situ, benign, etc. The Table of Neoplasms should be used to identify the correct topography code. In a few cases, such as for malignant melanoma and certain neuroendocrine tumors, the morphology (histologic type) is included in the category and codes.
  • Primary malignant neoplasms overlapping site boundaries
  • A primary malignant neoplasm that overlaps two or more contiguous (next to each other) sites should be classified to the subcategory/code .8 ('overlapping lesion'), unless the combination is specifically indexed elsewhere. For multiple neoplasms of the same site that are not contiguous, such as tumors in different quadrants of the same breast, codes for each site should be assigned.
  • Malignant neoplasm of ectopic tissue
  • Malignant neoplasms of ectopic tissue are to be coded to the site mentioned, e.g., ectopic pancreatic malignant neoplasms are coded to pancreas, unspecified (C25.9).

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name C70, its category, or a range that includes it.

Applicable To 2

These notes mention C70.

  • Z85.8 Personal history of malignant neoplasms of other organs and systems
    Conditions classifiable to C00-C14, C40-C49, C69-C75, C7A.098, C76-C79 names C69-C75, which includes this code
  • Z85.84 Personal history of malignant neoplasm of eye and nervous tissue
    Conditions classifiable to C69-C72 names C69-C72, which includes this code

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming C70: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • C72 Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system
    malignant neoplasm of meninges (C70.-)

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Malignant Meningeal Neoplasm

    a primary or metastatic malignant tumor occurring in the meninges, which surround the brain and spinal cord. the most common are meningiomas.

Patient EducationClinical

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Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About C70Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for malignant neoplasm of meninges?

C70 is the ICD-10-CM category for malignant neoplasm of meninges, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is C70 (Malignant neoplasm of meninges) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for malignant neoplasm of meninges, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for malignant neoplasm of meninges need a more specific code from this category, such as C70.0, C70.1, and C70.9.