2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q45.9Congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q38-Q45›Q45

ICD-10-CM Q45.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q45.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 393 through 395. 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
Q45.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified
Short Description
Congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Q45
Other congenital malformations of digestive system

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ38-Q45Other congenital malformations of the digestive system
CategoryQ45Other congenital malformations of digestive system
This CodeQ45.9Congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified

Present on Admission (POA)Billing

Q45.9 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.

  • Congenital anomaly of digestive organ
  • Congenital anomaly of digestive system
  • Congenital anomaly of digestive tract
  • Congenital anomaly of gastrointestinal tract
  • Congenital anomaly of lower alimentary tract
  • Congenital fecal incontinence
  • Cutis laxa with severe pulmonary, gastrointestinal and urinary anomalies
  • Cutis laxa, autosomal recessive
  • Digestive system hereditary disorder
  • Gastrocutaneous syndrome
  • Oculogastrointestinal neurodevelopmental syndrome
  • Trichohepatoenteric syndrome

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Inclusion Terms

  • Congenital anomaly of digestive system
  • Congenital deformity of digestive system

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.

    • Anomaly, anomalous(congenital) (unspecified type)
      • alimentary tract
    • Anomaly, anomalous(congenital) (unspecified type)
      • digestive organ (s) or tract
    • Anomaly, anomalous(congenital) (unspecified type)
      • gastrointestinal tract
    • Anomaly, anomalous(congenital) (unspecified type)
      • mesentery
    • Deformity
      • alimentary tract, congenital
    • Deformity
      • digestive organ NOS
    • Deformity
      • gastrointestinal tract (congenital) NOS
    • Malformation(congenital)
      • alimentary tract

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

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

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.

Convert Q45.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
751.9 Anom digestive syst NOS
Exact Match The mapping is direct, with no qualifiers.

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 Q45.9Overview

Is Q45.9 (Other congenital malformations of digestive system) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does Q45.9 group to?

When congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 393, 394, 395, with relative weights from 0.6490 to 1.5993 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Is Q45.9 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 congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified on inpatient claims.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of Q45.9?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, congenital malformation of digestive system, unspecified converts to ICD-9-CM 751.9 (anom digestive syst NOS). The mapping is a direct match.

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.