ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for lip unilateral cleft
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Cleft (congenital) › lip (unilateral)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding lip unilateral cleft
The ICD-10-CM code for lip unilateral cleft is Q36.9 (Cleft lip, unilateral). The official index lists 12 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q36.9.
Within Q36 (cleft lip), Q36.9 is specifically for cleft lip, unilateral. Related codes cover bilateral (Q36.0) and median (Q36.1).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 011 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC, relative weight 5.6154), DRG 012 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC, relative weight 4.381), DRG 013 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.7307), DRG 157 (Dental and Oral Diseases with MCC, relative weight 1.809), DRG 158 (Dental and Oral Diseases with CC, relative weight 0.9366) and DRG 159 (Dental and Oral Diseases without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6893), in Pre-MDC and MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific lip unilateral cleft codes (official index)
- with cleft palate Q37.9 — Unspecified cleft palate with unilateral cleft lip
- hard Q37.1 — Cleft hard palate with unilateral cleft lip
- with soft Q37.5 — Cleft hard and soft palate with unilateral cleft lip
- soft Q37.3 — Cleft soft palate with unilateral cleft lip
- with hard Q37.5 — Cleft hard and soft palate with unilateral cleft lip
- bilateral Q36.0 — Cleft lip, bilateral
- with cleft palate Q37.8 — Unspecified cleft palate with bilateral cleft lip
- hard Q37.0 — Cleft hard palate with bilateral cleft lip
- with soft Q37.4 — Cleft hard and soft palate with bilateral cleft lip
- soft Q37.2 — Cleft soft palate with bilateral cleft lip
- with hard Q37.4 — Cleft hard and soft palate with bilateral cleft lip
- median Q36.1 — Cleft lip, median
Common questions about lip unilateral cleft ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for lip unilateral cleft?
- Q36.9 — Cleft lip, unilateral. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Q37.9, Q37.1, Q37.5, Q37.3 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for bilateral lip unilateral cleft?
- Q36.0 — Cleft lip, bilateral.
What is the ICD-10 code for median lip unilateral cleft?
- Q36.1 — Cleft lip, median.
Is Q36.9 billable?
- Yes. Q36.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Q36.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q36.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Q36.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. Q36.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.