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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code Q38
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q38

Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx

ICD-10-CM Code:
Q38
ICD-10 Code for:
Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
    (Q00-Q99)
    • Other congenital malformations of the digestive system
      (Q38-Q45)
      • Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx
        (Q38)

Q38 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx

Non-specific codes like Q38 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx:

  • Use Q38.0 for Congenital malformations of lips, not elsewhere classified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.1 for Ankyloglossia - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.2 for Macroglossia - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.3 for Other congenital malformations of tongue - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.4 for Congenital malformations of salivary glands and ducts - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.5 for Congenital malformations of palate, not elsewhere classified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.6 for Other congenital malformations of mouth - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.7 for Congenital pharyngeal pouch - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q38.8 for Other congenital malformations of pharynx - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

Patient Education


Throat Disorders

Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx. The technical name for your throat is the pharynx.

Throat problems are common. You've probably had a sore throat. The cause is usually a viral infection, but other causes include allergies, infection with strep bacteria or the leaking of stomach acids back up into the esophagus, called GERD.

Other problems that affect the throat include:

  • Tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils
  • Cancer
  • Croup - inflammation, usually in small children, which causes a barking cough
  • Laryngitis - swelling of the voice box, which can cause a hoarse voice or loss of voice

Most throat problems are minor and go away on their own. Treatments, when needed, depend on the problem.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.