Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx (Q38) ICD-10-CM
The Q38 code range covers other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx with 10 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 9 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
Codes in the Q38 Range 10 codes · 9 billable
- Q38 Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynxNon-billable
- Q38.0 Congenital malformations of lips, not elsewhere classified
- Q38.1 Ankyloglossia
- Q38.2 Macroglossia
- Q38.3 Other congenital malformations of tongue
- Q38.4 Congenital malformations of salivary glands and ducts
- Q38.5 Congenital malformations of palate, not elsewhere classified
- Q38.6 Other congenital malformations of mouth
- Q38.7 Congenital pharyngeal pouch
- Q38.8 Other congenital malformations of pharynx
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the Q38 range.
Ankyloglossia
A severe congenital restriction of TONGUE movement, resulting from fusion or adherence of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In partial ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) the LINGUAL FRENUM is abnormally short, or is attached too close to the tip of the tongue. OMIM: 106280
Macroglossia
The presence of an excessively large tongue, which may be congenital or may develop as a result of a tumor or edema due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels, or it may occur in association with hyperpituitarism or acromegaly. It also may be associated with malocclusion because of pressure of the tongue on the teeth. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992)
About the Q38 Code Range
These malformations affect the lips, tongue, salivary glands and ducts, palate, mouth, or pharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth. They are present at birth.
The subdivisions follow the affected part. Q38.0 addresses the lips. Q38.1 and Q38.2 name specific tongue conditions, while Q38.3 addresses other tongue malformations. Q38.4 addresses salivary glands and ducts, Q38.5 the palate, and Q38.6 other mouth malformations. The pharynx has separate subdivisions for a congenital pouch, Q38.7, and other malformations, Q38.8.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Q38 range?
Of the 10 codes in this range, 9 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the Q38 range classify?
The range classifies other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
