Is ICD-10-CM code Q68 billable?

No, Q68 (Other congenital musculoskeletal deformities) 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 Q68 belong to?

Q68 belongs to Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: Q00–Q99 (Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities).

Q68Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other congenital musculoskeletal deformities

In Congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system (Q65-Q79), chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities

8 billable codes under Q68: 1 is a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

reduction defects of limb(s) (Q71-Q73)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

congenital myotonic chondrodystrophy (G71.13)

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 Q68

Q68 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Q68 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under Q68 group to MS-DRG 564, 565, 566, 562, or 563 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 564 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC (7 of 8 codes)
DRG 565 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC (7 of 8 codes)
DRG 566 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC (7 of 8 codes)
DRG 562 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh with MCC (1 of 8 codes)
DRG 563 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without MCC (1 of 8 codes)

Other codes that refer to Q68

Notes on these codes point to Q68.

M20 Excludes1: congenital deformities and malformations of fingers and toes (Q66.-, Q68-Q70, Q74.-)
M21 Excludes1: congenital deformities and malformations of limbs (Q65-Q66, Q68-Q74)

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.

Code history

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