2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q38Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q38-Q45›Q38

ICD-10-CM Q38
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

Q38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q38.0, Q38.1, Q38.2, and Q38.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q38
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx
Short Description
Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
Q38-Q45
Other congenital malformations of the digestive system

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ38-Q45Other congenital malformations of the digestive system
CategoryQ38Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx
This CodeQ38Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx

Specific Coding for Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynxOverview

Non-specific codes like Q38 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

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

  • Use Q38.1 for Ankyloglossia

  • Use Q38.2 for Macroglossia

  • Use Q38.3 for Other congenital malformations of tongue

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

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

  • Use Q38.6 for Other congenital malformations of mouth

  • Use Q38.7 for Congenital pharyngeal pouch

  • Use Q38.8 for Other congenital malformations of pharynx

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Q38: its own notes plus those printed at 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.

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 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 Q38Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx?

Q38 is the ICD-10-CM category for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is Q38 (Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx need a more specific code from this category, such as Q38.0, Q38.1, and Q38.2.

Can Q38 be reported with a code from M26?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on Q38 lists "dentofacial anomalies (M26.-)". 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).