2026 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 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

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
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

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Type 1 Excludes

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

Questions About Q38Overview

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.