2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D49Neoplasms of unspecified behavior

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›D49›D49

ICD-10-CM D49
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

D49 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for neoplasms of unspecified behavior, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as D49.0, D49.1, D49.2, and D49.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
D49
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Neoplasms of unspecified behavior
Short Description
Neoplasms of unspecified behavior
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
D49
Neoplasms of unspecified behavior

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionD49Neoplasms of unspecified behavior
CategoryD49Neoplasms of unspecified behavior
This CodeD49Neoplasms of unspecified behavior

Specific Coding for Neoplasms of unspecified behaviorOverview

Non-specific codes like D49 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use D49.0 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of digestive system

  • Use D49.1 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of respiratory system

  • Use D49.2 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of bone, soft tissue, and skin

  • Use D49.3 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of breast

  • Use D49.4 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of bladder

  • D49.5 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of other genitourinary organs

  • D49.51 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of kidney

  • Use D49.59 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of other genitourinary organ

  • Use D49.6 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of brain

  • Use D49.7 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of endocrine glands and other parts of nervous system

  • D49.8 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of other specified sites

  • Use D49.81 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of retina and choroid

  • Use D49.89 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of other specified sites

  • Use D49.9 for Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of unspecified site

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to D49: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 2. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • 'growth' NOS
  • neoplasm NOS
  • new growth NOS
  • tumor NOS

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

  • neoplasms of uncertain behavior (D37-D44, D48)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

On D49 itself
  • Category D49 classifies by site neoplasms of unspecified morphology and behavior. The term 'mass', unless otherwise stated, is not to be regarded as a neoplastic growth.
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 D49, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming D49: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • Block D37-D48 Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes
    neoplasms of unspecified behavior (D49.-)

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 D49Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for neoplasms of unspecified behavior?

D49 is the ICD-10-CM category for neoplasms of unspecified behavior, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is D49 (Neoplasms of unspecified behavior) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for neoplasms of unspecified behavior, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for neoplasms of unspecified behavior need a more specific code from this category, such as D49.0, D49.1, and D49.2.