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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

C15Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

Not billable — use a more specific code

C15 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 5 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About C15

C15 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of esophagus. It belongs to block C15-C26 (malignant neoplasms of digestive organs) and chapter 2 (neoplasms). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 5 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: C15.3 (esophagus), C15.4 (esophagus), C15.5 (esophagus), C15.8 (esophagus) and C15.9 (unspecified).

Use an additional code to identify: alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under C15

Coding notes

Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition
  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to C15.

Broader instructions also apply from C15-C26 Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs and Chapter 2: Neoplasms.

Codes whose notes reference C15

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about C15

Is C15 billable?

No. C15 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.