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  6. 2025 ICD-10-CM Code Q79

2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q79

Congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Code:
Q79
ICD-10 Code for:
Congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, NEC
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Q79 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, not elsewhere classified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2025 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, NEC

Non-specific codes like Q79 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, nec:

  • Use Q79.0 for Congenital diaphragmatic hernia - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.1 for Other congenital malformations of diaphragm - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.2 for Exomphalos - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.3 for Gastroschisis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.4 for Prune belly syndrome - BILLABLE CODE

  • Q79.5 for Other congenital malformations of abdominal wall - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.51 for Congenital hernia of bladder - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.59 for Other congenital malformations of abdominal wall - BILLABLE CODE

  • Q79.6 for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.60 for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.61 for Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.62 for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.63 for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.69 for Other Ehlers-Danlos syndromes - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.8 for Other congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q79.9 for Congenital malformation of musculoskeletal system, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
    Q00-Q99
    • Congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system
      Q65-Q79
      • Congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, not elsewhere classified
        Q79

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • congenital sternomastoid torticollis Q68.0

Patient Education


Birth Defects

What are 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.

A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works, or both. Some birth defects like cleft lip or neural tube defects are structural problems that can be easy to see. Others, like heart disease, are found using special tests. Birth defects can range from mild to severe. How a birth defect affects a child's life depends mostly on which organ or body part is involved and how severe the defect is.

What causes birth defects?

For some birth defects, researchers know the cause. But for many birth defects, the exact cause is unknown. Researchers think that most birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors, which can include:

  • Genetics. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that prevents them from working properly. For example, this happens in Fragile X syndrome. With some defects, a gene or part of the gene might be missing.
  • Chromosomal problems. In some cases, a chromosome or part of a chromosome might be missing. This is what happens in Turner syndrome. In other cases, such as with Down syndrome, the child has an extra chromosome.
  • Exposures to medicines, chemicals, or other toxic substances. For example, alcohol misuse can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
  • Infections during pregnancy. For example, infection with Zika virus during pregnancy can cause a serious defect in the brain.
  • Lack of certain nutrients. Not getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy is a key factor in causing neural tube defects.

Who is at risk of having a baby with birth defects?

Certain factors may increase the chances of having a baby with a birth defect, such as:

  • Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain "street" drugs during pregnancy
  • Having certain medical conditions, such as obesity or uncontrolled diabetes, before and during pregnancy
  • Taking certain medicines
  • Having someone in your family with a birth defect. To learn more about your risk of having a baby with a birth defect, you can talk with a genetic counselor,
  • Being an older mother, typically over the age of 34 years

How are birth defects diagnosed?

Health care providers can diagnose some birth defects during pregnancy, using prenatal testing. That's why it important to get regular prenatal care.

Other birth defects may not be found until after the baby is born. Providers may find them through newborn screening. Some defects, such as club foot, are obvious right away. Other times, the health care provider may not discover a defect until later in life, when the child has symptoms.

What are the treatments for birth defects?

Children with birth defects often need special care and treatments. Because the symptoms and problems caused by birth defects vary, the treatments also vary. Possible treatments may include surgery, medicines, assistive devices, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

Often, children with birth defects need a variety of services and may need to see several specialists. The primary health care provider can coordinate the special care that the child needs.

Can birth defects be prevented?

Not all birth defects can be prevented. But there are things you can do before and during pregnancy to increase your chance of having a healthy baby:

  • Start prenatal care as soon as you think you might be pregnant, and see your health care provider regularly during pregnancy
  • Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. If possible, you should start taking it at least one month before you get pregnant.
  • Don't drink alcohol, smoke, or use "street" drugs
  • Talk to your health care provider about any medicines you are taking or thinking about taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as dietary or herbal supplements.
  • Learn how to prevent infections during pregnancy
  • If you have any medical conditions, try to get them under control before you get pregnant

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.