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C15 vs C49.A

C15 (Malignant neoplasm of esophagus) compared with C49.A (Gastrointestinal stromal tumor), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).

Can these codes be reported together?

Yes, when both are documented. C15 carries an Excludes2 note covering C49.A: “gastrointestinal stromal tumors (C49.A-)”

Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.

Side by side

C15Malignant neoplasm of esophagusC49.AGastrointestinal stromal tumor
Billing statusNon-billable header

Report instead: C15.3, C15.4, C15.5, C15.8, C15.9

Non-billable header

Report instead: C49.A0, C49.A1, C49.A2, C49.A3, C49.A4

ClassificationC00-D49 — Neoplasms (C00-D49)C00-D49 — Neoplasms (C00-D49)
DefinitionMalignant neoplasm of esophagus is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (C15).Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (C49.A).
Includes—
malignant neoplasm of blood vessel
malignant neoplasm of bursa
malignant neoplasm of cartilage
malignant neoplasm of fascia
Use additional code
code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
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Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources