2027 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 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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
Short Description
Congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine
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
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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Q42: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 17. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • congenital obstruction, occlusion and stricture of large intestine

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.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name Q42, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming Q42: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • K56 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
    congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine (Q41-Q42) names Q41-Q42, which includes this code

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 Q42Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine?

Q42 is the ICD-10-CM category for congenital absence, atresia and stenosis of large intestine, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.