ICD-10 Code D16.6 – Benign neoplasm of vertebral column (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D16.6 – Benign neoplasm of vertebral column
What it is
D16.6 identifies a noncancerous tumor arising in the vertebral column. Use it when the record documents a benign neoplasm of the spine, not a malignant or metastatic lesion.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have localized spinal pain, a palpable mass, or incidental imaging findings showing a benign-appearing vertebral lesion.
When to use this code
Use D16.6 when the provider specifically diagnoses a benign neoplasm of a vertebra or the vertebral column. It is appropriate for confirmed benign spinal tumors documented on imaging, pathology, or specialist assessment. Check documentation if the lesion is unspecified or the site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant, metastatic, or uncertain spinal lesions. If the chart only says “mass” or “lesion” without a benign diagnosis, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm that the tumor is described as benign and that the vertebral column is the documented site before assigning D16.6.