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 2026, 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)
Oral Fistula
An abnormal passage within the mouth communicating between two or more anatomical structures.
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous
A developmental ocular anomaly in which the primary VITREOUS BODY and its surrounding hyaloid vasculature failed to regress. It is usually unilateral and characterized by CATARACT; MICROPHTHALMOS (small eyeballs), and retrolenticular fibrovascular tissue. (from Yanoff: Ophthalmology, 2nd ed.)
Ranula
A form of retention cyst of the floor of the mouth, usually due to obstruction of the ducts of the submaxillary or sublingual glands, presenting a slowly enlarging painless deep burrowing mucocele of one side of the mouth. It is also called sublingual cyst and sublingual ptyalocele.
About the Q38 Code Range
This section covers ICD-10 code Q38, representing various congenital malformations affecting the tongue, mouth, and pharynx. These codes are used to identify specific birth anomalies like malformations of lips, tongue abnormalities, palate defects, salivary gland issues, and related mouth and pharyngeal conditions.
The ICD-10 code for congenital malformations of lips (Q38.0) includes conditions often called congenital lip pits or aberrant frenulum insertion. Q38.1 designates ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue tie or short frenulum of the tongue. Enlarged tongue or congenital macroglossia is captured by Q38.2. Other rarer tongue malformations like bifid tongue or cysts fall under Q38.3. Salivary gland anomalies such as ranulas or congenital fistulas are categorized in Q38.4. Palate malformations, including absent or deviated uvula, use Q38.5. Malformations of the mouth, including cysts and rare syndromes, are coded as Q38.6. Congenital pharyngeal pouches and other pharynx anomalies are assigned Q38.7 and Q38.8 respectively. These codes help in precise documentation and management of congenital digestive anomalies involving oral and pharyngeal structures.
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, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 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 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
