Congenital malformations of gallbladder, bile ducts and liver
In Other congenital malformations of the digestive system (Q38-Q45), chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities
10 billable codes under Q44: 2 are an MCC, 8 are a CC; 3 map to HCC 68 (Cholangitis and Obstruction of Bile Duct Without Gallstones).A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment. An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.
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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 Q44
Q44 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.
- Q44.0Agenesis, aplasia and hypoplasia of gallbladder
- Q44.1Other congenital malformations of gallbladder
- Q44.2Atresia of bile ducts
- Q44.3Congenital stenosis and stricture of bile ducts
- Q44.4Choledochal cyst
- Q44.5Other congenital malformations of bile ducts
- Q44.6Cystic disease of liver
- Q44.7Other congenital malformations of liver
- Q44.70Other congenital malformation of liver, unspecified
- Q44.71Alagille syndrome
- Q44.79Other congenital malformations of liver
Q44 MS-DRGs
As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under Q44 group to MS-DRG 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, or 446 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.
- DRG 441 Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis with MCC (8 of 10 codes)
- DRG 442 Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis with CC (8 of 10 codes)
- DRG 443 Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis without CC/MCC (8 of 10 codes)
- DRG 444 Disorders of the Biliary Tract with MCC (2 of 10 codes)
- DRG 445 Disorders of the Biliary Tract with CC (2 of 10 codes)
- DRG 446 Disorders of the Biliary Tract without CC/MCC (2 of 10 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.
Read more about birth defects on MedlinePlusCode history
Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.