D38.2 ICD-10-CM Code: Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of pleura
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FY 2026 Apr update / Neoplasms (C00-D49) / Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes (D37-D48)
D38.2
Billable / SpecificICD-10-CMOfficial ICD-10-CMCodebook guidanceNeoplasm of uncertain behavior of pleura
A growth in the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity) that cannot yet be classified as cancer or benign. The tumor's behavior remains uncertain pending further evaluation.
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 D38.2 in this effective period.
Excludes 2
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 2 notes for D38.2 in this effective period.
Related Child Codes
Includes
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Includes notes for D38.2 in this effective period.
Excludes 1
Official- neoplasm of uncertain behavior of heart (D48.7)
Code First
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code First sequencing instructions for D38.2 in this effective period.
Use Additional
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Use Additional Code instructions for D38.2 in this effective period.
Code Also
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code Also instructions for D38.2 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 D38.2 an HCC code?
No. D38.2 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
D38.2 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for neoplasm of uncertain behavior of pleura. A growth in the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity) that cannot yet be classified as cancer or benign. The tumor's behavior remains uncertain pending further evaluation. D38.2 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).
D38.2 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.
Pleural tumors with uncertain behavior often require repeat imaging or thoracoscopy for definitive diagnosis.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for D38.2 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Coding Tips
- •Pleural tumors with uncertain behavior often require repeat imaging or thoracoscopy for definitive diagnosis
- •Document whether the lesion is unilateral or bilateral, as this affects clinical staging