Is ICD-10-CM code Q35 billable?

No, Q35 (Cleft palate) 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 Q35 belong to?

Q35 belongs to Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: Q00–Q99 (Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities).

Q35Not billable, use a more specific code below

Cleft palate

In Cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37), chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities

5 billable codes under Q35: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

fissure of palate
palatoschisis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

cleft palate with cleft lip (Q37.-)

Also applies, from Cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37)

These notes sit on Q35-Q37 and apply to every code under it, including Q35.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

Robin's syndrome (Q87.0)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code to identify associated malformation of the nose (Q30.2)

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 Q35

Q35 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Q35 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

Other codes that refer to Q35

Notes on these codes point to Q35.

Q10-Q18 Excludes2: cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37)
Q18 Excludes1: cleft lip and cleft palate (Q35-Q37)
Q38.5 Excludes1: cleft palate (Q35.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly. They happen early during pregnancy. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.

Code history

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