2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D43.4Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›D37-D48›D43

ICD-10-CM D43.4
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

D43.4 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Neoplasms of unspecified nature or uncertain behavior.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
D43.4
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord
Short Description
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
D43
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain and central nervous system

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionD37-D48Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes
CategoryD43Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain and central nervous system
This CodeD43.4Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Atypical meningioma of spinal cord
  • Embryonal tumor of spinal cord
  • Ependymoma of spinal cord
  • Hemangioblastoma of central nervous system
  • Hemangioblastoma of spinal cord
  • Myxopapillary ependymoma of spinal cord
  • Neoplasm of cauda equina
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain and spinal cord
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cauda equina
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord
  • Sacrococcygeal teratoma
  • Subependymoma of spinal cord

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NEO072
Neoplasms of unspecified nature or uncertain behavior
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Cauda Equina

    the lower part of the spinal cord consisting of the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerve roots.

  • Cauda Equina Syndrome

    compressive lesion affecting the nerve roots of the cauda equina (e.g., compression, herniation, inflammation, rupture, or stenosis), which controls the function of the bladder and bowel. symptoms may include neurological dysfunction of bladder or bowels, loss of sexual sensation and altered sensation or paralysis in the lower extremities.

Table of NeoplasmsClinical

Anatomical sites in the Table of Neoplasms that reference this code family.

SiteMalig.
Primary		Malig.
Secondary		Ca
in situ		BenignUncertainUnspec.
cauda equinaC72.1C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
conus medullarisC72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
cord (true) (vocal) › spinal (cervical) (lumbar) (thoracic)C72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
filum terminaleC72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
motor tract › cauda equinaC72.1C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
motor tract › spinalC72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
spine, spinal (column) › cord (cervical) (lumbar) (sacral) (thoracic)C72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7

Patient EducationClinical

Spinal Cord Diseases

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. It is protected by your vertebrae, which are the bone disks that make up your spine.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert D43.4 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
237.5 Unc beh neo brain/spinal
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About D43.4Overview

Is D43.4 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of D43.4?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, neoplasm of uncertain behavior of spinal cord converts to ICD-9-CM 237.5 (unc beh neo brain/spinal). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.