2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q42Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q38-Q45›Q42

ICD-10-CM Q42
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q42 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q42.0, Q42.1, Q42.2, and Q42.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q42
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine
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
CategoryQ42Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine
This CodeQ42Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine

Specific Coding for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestineOverview

Non-specific codes like Q42 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Q42.0 for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of rectum with fistula

  • Use Q42.1 for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of rectum without fistula

  • Use Q42.2 for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of anus with fistula

  • Use Q42.3 for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of anus without fistula

  • Use Q42.8 for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of other parts of large intestine

  • Use Q42.9 for Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine, part unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Includes

  • congenital obstruction, occlusion and stricture of large intestine

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 Q42Overview

Is Q42 (Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine need a more specific code from this category, such as Q42.0, Q42.1, and Q42.2.