2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q36Cleft lip

ICD-10-CM CodesQ00-Q99Q35-Q37Q36

ICD-10-CM Q36
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q36 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for cleft lip, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q36.0, Q36.1, and Q36.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q36
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Cleft lip
Chapter
Q35-Q37
Cleft lip and cleft palate

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ35-Q37Cleft lip and cleft palate
CategoryQ36Cleft lip
This CodeQ36Cleft lip

Specific Coding for Cleft lipOverview

Non-specific codes like Q36 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Q36.0 for Cleft lip, bilateral

  • Use Q36.1 for Cleft lip, median

  • Use Q36.9 for Cleft lip, unilateral

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Includes

  • cheiloschisis
  • congenital fissure of lip
  • harelip
  • labium leporinum

Type 1 Excludes

  • cleft lip with cleft palate Q37

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Cleft Lip

    congenital defect in the upper lip where the maxillary prominence fails to merge with the merged medial nasal prominences. it is thought to be caused by faulty migration of the mesoderm in the head region.

Patient EducationClinical

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly. They happen early during pregnancy. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.

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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Q36Overview

Is Q36 (Cleft lip) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for cleft lip, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for cleft lip need a more specific code from this category, such as Q36.0, Q36.1, and Q36.9.