2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q16Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q10-Q18›Q16

ICD-10-CM Q16
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

Q16 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q16.0, Q16.1, Q16.2, and Q16.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q16
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
Short Description
Congenital malform of ear causing impairment of hearing
Chapter
Q10-Q18
Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ10-Q18Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck
CategoryQ16Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
This CodeQ16Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing

Specific Coding for Congenital malform of ear causing impairment of hearingOverview

Non-specific codes like Q16 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Q16.0 for Congenital absence of (ear) auricle

  • Use Q16.1 for Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)

  • Use Q16.2 for Absence of eustachian tube

  • Use Q16.3 for Congenital malformation of ear ossicles

  • Use Q16.4 for Other congenital malformations of middle ear

  • Use Q16.5 for Congenital malformation of inner ear

  • Use Q16.9 for Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Q16: its own notes plus those printed at block Q10-Q18 and Chapter 17. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • congenital deafness (H90.-)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block Q10-Q18 Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck applies to 62 codes
  • cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37)
  • congenital malformation of cervical spine (Q05.0, Q05.5, Q67.5, Q76.0-Q76.4)
  • congenital malformation of larynx (Q31.-)
  • congenital malformation of lip NEC (Q38.0)
  • congenital malformation of nose (Q30.-)
  • congenital malformation of parathyroid gland (Q89.2)
  • congenital malformation of thyroid gland (Q89.2)
From Chapter 17 (Q00-QA1) Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities applies to 900 codes
  • inborn errors of metabolism (E70-E88)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 17 (Q00-QA1) Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities applies to 900 codes
  • Codes from this chapter are not for use on maternal records

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Patient EducationClinical

Birth Defects

A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother's body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.

The full article covers:

  • What are birth defects?
  • What causes birth defects?
  • Who is at risk of having a baby with birth defects?
  • How are birth defects diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for birth defects?
  • Can birth defects be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About Q16Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing?

Q16 is the ICD-10-CM category for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is Q16 a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing need a more specific code from this category, such as Q16.0, Q16.1, and Q16.2.

Can Q16 be reported with a code from H90?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on Q16 lists "congenital deafness (H90.-)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).