Is ICD-10-CM code Q17 billable?

No, Q17 (Other congenital malformations of ear) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code Q17 belong to?

Q17 belongs to Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: Q00–Q99 (Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities).

Q17Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other congenital malformations of ear

In Congenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neck (Q10-Q18), chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities

8 billable codes under Q17: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

congenital malformations of ear with impairment of hearing (Q16.0-Q16.9)
preauricular sinus (Q18.1)

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 Q17.

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.

Read Section I.C.17 (page 74)

All codes under Q17

Q17 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Q17 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under Q17 group to MS-DRG 154, 155, 156, or 795 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 154 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC (8 of 8 codes)
DRG 155 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC (8 of 8 codes)
DRG 156 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC (8 of 8 codes)
DRG 795 Normal Newborn (1 of 8 codes)

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.

Ear 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.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.