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ICD-10 Code C78.5: Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum

C78.5 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Neoplasms (C00-D49).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Neoplasms (C00-D49).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
2Neoplasms (C00-D49)
block
C00-C96Malignant neoplasms
block
C76-C80Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites
category
C78Secondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory and digestive organs
currentC78

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

OncologistGeneral Physician

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 81479high
UNLISTED MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY PROCEDURE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44388high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44401high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH ABLATION OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S) (INCLUDES PRE-AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44389high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44391high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH CONTROL OF BLEEDING, ANY METHOD
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 44402high
COLONOSCOPY THROUGH STOMA; WITH ENDOSCOPIC STENT PLACEMENT (INCLUDING PRE- AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
C78.5

Common synonyms

Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeC78.5
SystemICD10
Display nameSecondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum
ChapterNeoplasms (C00-D49)
BlockMalignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code C78.5 for Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum | HealthAssure