2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q72.03Congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q65-Q79›Q72

ICD-10-CM Q72.03
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q72.03 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 564 through 566. The code is exempt from POA reporting. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Musculoskeletal congenital conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q72.03
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral
Short Description
Congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Q72.0
Congenital complete absence of lower limb

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ65-Q79Congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system
CategoryQ72Reduction defects of lower limb
This CodeQ72.03Congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral

Present on Admission (POA)Billing

Q72.03 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 complete absence of bilateral lower limbs
  • Congenital complete absence of bilateral upper limbs
  • Congenital complete absence of left lower limb
  • Congenital complete absence of left upper limb
  • Congenital complete absence of lower limb
  • Congenital complete absence of right lower limb
  • Congenital complete absence of right upper limb
  • Congenital complete absence of upper limb
  • Tetra-amelia syndrome

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MAL008
Musculoskeletal congenital conditions
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 Q72.03 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
755.31 Transverse defic leg
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 Q72.03Overview

Is Q72.03 (Congenital complete absence of lower limb) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does Q72.03 group to?

When congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 564, 565, 566, with relative weights from 0.7493 to 1.5436 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Is Q72.03 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 complete absence of lower limb, bilateral on inpatient claims.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of Q72.03?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral converts to ICD-9-CM 755.31 (transverse defic leg). 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.