I.C.2.b
Admission/Encounter for treatment of secondary site
When a patient is admitted because of a primary neoplasm with metastasis and treatment is directed toward the secondary site only, the secondary neoplasm is designated as the principal diagnosis even though the primary malignancy is still present.
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026 (effective October 1, 2025). Published by CMS and NCHS. Reproduced for reference — always verify against the official CMS release.