Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM Q38 is the diagnosis code for Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx. This code falls under the section "Other congenital malformations of the digestive system" within Chapter 17 — Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as Q38. They are mutually exclusive:
Understanding where Q38 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, Q38 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
Q38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
Q38 is located in Section Q38-Q45 — "Other congenital malformations of the digestive system" within Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Q38 has 9 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: Q38.0, Q38.1, Q38.2, Q38.3, Q38.4 and more.
Use Q38 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx is Q38.
No, Q38 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
Q38 is in Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Type 1 Excludes for Q38 include: dentofacial anomalies (M26.-); macrostomia (Q18.4); microstomia (Q18.5).
Yes, Q38 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.