D37.02 ICD-10-CM Code: Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of tongue
HCC Buddy Code Card
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FY 2026 Apr update / Neoplasms (C00-D49) / Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes (D37-D48)
D37.02
Billable / SpecificICD-10-CMOfficial ICD-10-CMCodebook guidanceNeoplasm of uncertain behavior of tongue
This code describes an abnormal growth or tumor on the tongue that cannot yet be determined to be either cancer or benign (non-cancerous). The growth requires further testing or monitoring to establish its true nature.
CMS-HCC V28
N/A—
Not mapped
CMS-HCC V24
N/A—
Not mapped
ACA/HHS
N/A—
Not mapped
ESRD/PACE
N/A—
Not mapped
RXHCC
N/A—
Not mapped
Code Book Path
Inclusion Terms
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list inclusion terms for D37.02 in this effective period.
Excludes 2
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 2 notes for D37.02 in this effective period.
Related Child Codes
Includes
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Includes notes for D37.02 in this effective period.
Excludes 1
Official- neoplasm of uncertain behavior of aryepiglottic fold or interarytenoid fold, laryngeal aspect (D38.0)
- neoplasm of uncertain behavior of epiglottis NOS (D38.0)
- neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin of lip (D48.5)
- neoplasm of uncertain behavior of suprahyoid portion of epiglottis (D38.0)
Code First
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code First sequencing instructions for D37.02 in this effective period.
Use Additional
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Use Additional Code instructions for D37.02 in this effective period.
Code Also
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code Also instructions for D37.02 in this effective period.
Buddy Documentation Tip
Last updated: FY2026 ICD-10-CM Apr update, Apr 1, 2026 through Sep 30, 2026. CMS-HCC V28 is 100% phased in for payment year 2026.
Is D37.02 an HCC code?
No. D37.02 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any HCC category in V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC.
Coder workflow notes
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This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
D37.02 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for neoplasm of uncertain behavior of tongue. This code describes an abnormal growth or tumor on the tongue that cannot yet be determined to be either cancer or benign (non-cancerous). The growth requires further testing or monitoring to establish its true nature. D37.02 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for neoplasms (c00-d49), within the section covering neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes (d37-d48).
D37.02 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to a payment HCC under the CMS-HCC V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC risk adjustment models. It can be reported on Medicare Advantage encounter data submissions but it does not contribute to a beneficiary's RAF score and therefore does not affect risk-adjusted payments to the plan.
This code is used when a biopsy or pathology report specifically states 'uncertain behavior' or 'unspecified malignant potential' - do not use this code if the tumor has been definitively classified as benign or malignant.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for D37.02 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Coding Tips
- •This code is used when a biopsy or pathology report specifically states 'uncertain behavior' or 'unspecified malignant potential' - do not use this code if the tumor has been definitively classified as benign or malignant
- •Ensure the documentation specifies the tongue location (anterior 2/3, posterior 1/3, or unspecified) as D37.02 is specifically for the tongue; other oral sites have different codes in the D37 category