2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q44.4Choledochal cyst

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q38-Q45›Q44

ICD-10-CM Q44.4
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q44.4 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for choledochal cyst. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 441 through 443. The code is exempt from POA reporting. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Digestive congenital anomalies.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q44.4
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Choledochal cyst
Short Description
Choledochal cyst
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Q44
Congenital malformations of gallbladder, bile ducts and liver

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ38-Q45Other congenital malformations of the digestive system
CategoryQ44Congenital malformations of gallbladder, bile ducts and liver
This CodeQ44.4Choledochal cyst

Present on Admission (POA)Billing

Q44.4 is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Choledochal cyst
  • Choledochocele
  • Congenital choledochal cyst
  • Congenital cystic dilatation of common bile duct
  • Congenital dilatation of common bile duct
  • Cystic dilatation of common bile duct

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Cyst(colloid) (mucous) (simple) (retention)
      • choledochus, congenital

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR MAL002
Digestive congenital anomalies
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Choledochal Cyst

    a congenital anatomic malformation of a bile duct, including cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct or the large intrahepatic bile duct. classification is based on the site and type of dilatation. type i is most common.

  • Choledochal Cyst

    cystic dilatation of the hepatic duct or bile duct.

Patient EducationClinical

Bile Duct Diseases

Your liver makes a digestive juice called bile. Your gallbladder stores it between meals. When you eat, your gallbladder pushes the bile into tubes called bile ducts. They carry the bile to your small intestine. The bile helps break down fat. It also helps the liver get rid of toxins and wastes.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert Q44.4 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
751.69 Biliary & liver anom NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

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 Q44.4Overview

Is Q44.4 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report choledochal cyst on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does Q44.4 group to?

When choledochal cyst is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 441, 442, 443, with relative weights from 0.6997 to 1.7947 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Is Q44.4 exempt from POA reporting?

Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for choledochal cyst on inpatient claims.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of Q44.4?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, choledochal cyst converts to ICD-9-CM 751.69 (biliary & liver anom NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.