2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q18.2Other branchial cleft malformations

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q10-Q18›Q18

ICD-10-CM Q18.2
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q18.2 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other branchial cleft malformations. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 154 through 156. The code is exempt from POA reporting. Coders also document this condition as brachial cleft vestige excised. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face, neck.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q18.2
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other branchial cleft malformations
Short Description
Other branchial cleft malformations
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Q18
Other congenital malformations of face and neck

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ10-Q18Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck
CategoryQ18Other congenital malformations of face and neck
This CodeQ18.2Other branchial cleft malformations

Present on Admission (POA)Billing

Q18.2 is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Brachial cleft vestige excised
  • Branchial cleft anomaly
  • Branchial cleft cyst
  • Cervical auricle
  • Congenital anomaly of first branchial cleft
  • Congenital anomaly of fourth branchial cleft
  • Congenital anomaly of second branchial cleft
  • Congenital anomaly of third branchial cleft
  • Midline cervical cleft

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Branchial cleft malformation NOS
  • Cervical auricle
  • Otocephaly

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Auricle, auricular
      • cervical
    • Branchial
      • cartilage, congenital
    • Cervical
      • auricle
    • Cleft(congenital)
      • branchial (persistent)
    • Imperfect
      • closure (congenital)
        • branchial cleft NOS
    • Malformation(congenital)
      • branchial cleft
    • Malposition
      • congenital
        • auricle (ear)
          • cervical
    • Otocephaly
    • Persistence, persistent(congenital)
      • branchial cleft NOS

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR MAL005
Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face, neck
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

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.

Convert Q18.2 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
744.43 Cervical auricle
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.
ICD-9-CM
744.49 Branchial cleft anom NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Q18.2Overview

Is Q18.2 (Other congenital malformations of face and neck) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other branchial cleft malformations on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does Q18.2 group to?

When other branchial cleft malformations is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 154, 155, 156, with relative weights from 0.6911 to 1.5635 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Is Q18.2 exempt from POA reporting?

Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for other branchial cleft malformations on inpatient claims.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of Q18.2?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other branchial cleft malformations converts to ICD-9-CM 744.43 (cervical auricle) and 744.49 (branchial cleft anom NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.