ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

Q38Other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx

Not billable — use a more specific code

Q38 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 9 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About Q38

Q38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx. It belongs to block Q38-Q45 (other congenital malformations of the digestive system) and chapter 17 (congenital malformations, deformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic disorders). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 9 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: Q38.0 (classified), Q38.1 (Ankyloglossia), Q38.2 (Macroglossia), Q38.3 (tongue), Q38.4 (ducts), Q38.5 (classified), Q38.6 (mouth), Q38.7 (pouch) and 1 more.

Don't report Q38 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: dentofacial anomalies (M26.-), macrostomia (Q18.4) and microstomia (Q18.5).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under Q38

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code

dentofacial anomalies (M26.-)
macrostomia (Q18.4)
microstomia (Q18.5)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to Q38.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 17: Congenital malformations, deformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic disorders.

Code history

2016
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2023
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2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about Q38

Is Q38 billable?: No. Q38 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.