Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
In Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck (Q10-Q18), chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities
7 billable codes under Q16: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.
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Instructional notes
Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code
- congenital deafness (H90.-)
Also applies, from Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck (Q10-Q18)
These notes sit on Q10-Q18 and apply to every code under it, including Q16.
Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable
- cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37)
- congenital malformation of cervical spine (Q05.0, Q05.5, Q67.5, Q76.0-Q76.4)
- congenital malformation of larynx (Q31.-)
- congenital malformation of lip NEC (Q38.0)
- congenital malformation of nose (Q30.-)
- congenital malformation of parathyroid gland (Q89.2)
- congenital malformation of thyroid gland (Q89.2)
Official coding guidelines
From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.
Assign Q00-QA1 codes for documented congenital anomalies or genetic disorders at any age, coding non-inherent manifestations separately and sequencing Z38 first on the birth admission.
All codes under Q16
Q16 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.
- Q16.0Congenital absence of (ear) auricle
- Q16.1Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)
- Q16.2Absence of eustachian tube
- Q16.3Congenital malformation of ear ossicles
- Q16.4Other congenital malformations of middle ear
- Q16.5Congenital malformation of inner ear
- Q16.9Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified
Q16 MS-DRGs
As the principal diagnosis, all 7 billable codes under Q16 group to MS-DRG 154, 155, or 156 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.
About the condition
Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.
Birth Defects
A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother's body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.
Read more about birth defects on MedlinePlusEar Disorders
An ear disorder is any condition that changes or harms the shape or structure of your ear. This can include abnormal ear shapes you're born with, injuries that change your ear's shape, and a growth on or in the ear.
Read more about ear disorders on MedlinePlusCode history
Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.