Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of middle ear and respiratory and intrathoracic organs (D38) ICD-10-CM
The D38 code range covers neoplasm of uncertain behavior of middle ear and respiratory and intrathoracic organs with 8 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- neoplasm of uncertain behavior of heart D48.7
Codes in the D38 Range 8 codes · 7 billable
- D38 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of middle ear and respiratory and intrathoracic organsNon-billable
- D38.0 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of larynx
- D38.1 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of trachea, bronchus and lung
- D38.2 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of pleura
- D38.3 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of mediastinum
- D38.4 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of thymus
- D38.5 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other respiratory organs
- D38.6 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of respiratory organ, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the D38 range.
Epiglottis
A thin leaf-shaped cartilage that is covered with LARYNGEAL MUCOSA and situated posterior to the root of the tongue and HYOID BONE. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds back over the larynx inlet thus prevents foods from entering the airway.
Eustachian Tube
A narrow passageway that connects the upper part of the throat to the TYMPANIC CAVITY.
Glottis
The vocal apparatus of the larynx, situated in the middle section of the larynx. Glottis consists of the VOCAL FOLDS and an opening (rima glottidis) between the folds.
About the D38 Code Range
The ICD-10 code D38 covers neoplasms of uncertain behavior arising in the middle ear, respiratory system, and intrathoracic organs. These codes are used when a tumor's nature is not clearly benign or malignant, requiring careful documentation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
This section includes several specific codes for different anatomical locations. For example, D38.0 is for neoplasms of uncertain behavior of the larynx, also known by terms like "neoplasm of false vocal cord" or "tumor of arytenoid," helping coders precisely identify laryngeal tumors. D38.1 applies to tumors in the trachea, bronchus, or lung, synonymously called “carcinoid tumor of lung” or “hilar mass.” Codes D38.2 through D38.5 classify uncertain neoplasms in the pleura, mediastinum, thymus, and other respiratory organs such as the nasal cavity or middle ear, covering various synonyms like “solitary fibrous tumor of pleura” or “tumor of Eustachian tube.” Finally, D38.6 is a general code for unspecified respiratory organ neoplasms of uncertain behavior, encompassing terms relating to unclear tumors of the respiratory tract. These ICD-10 codes aid clinicians and coders in capturing the complexity of tumors when their behavior remains uncertain.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the D38 range?
Of the 8 codes in this range, 7 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the D38 range classify?
The range classifies neoplasm of uncertain behavior of middle ear and respiratory and intrathoracic organs. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
