Is ICD-10-CM code Q90 billable?

No, Q90 (Down syndrome) 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 Q90 belong to?

Q90 belongs to Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: Q00–Q99 (Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities).

Q90Not billable, use a more specific code below

Down syndrome

In Chromosomal abnormalities, not elsewhere classified (Q90-Q99), chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities

4 billable codes under Q90: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

associated physical condition(s), such as atrioventricular septal defect (Q21.2-)

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

code(s) to identify any associated degree of intellectual disabilities (F70-F79)

Also applies, from Chromosomal abnormalities, not elsewhere classified (Q90-Q99)

These notes sit on Q90-Q99 and apply to every code under it, including Q90.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

mitochondrial metabolic disorders (E88.4-)

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 Q90

Q90 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Q90 MS-DRG

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under Q90 group to MS-DRG 884 (v44.0).

DRG 884 Organic Disturbances and Intellectual Disability

Other codes that refer to Q90

Notes on these codes point to Q90.

D84.81 Code First: chromosomal abnormalities (Q90-Q99)
E25 Excludes1: chromosomal abnormalities (Q90-Q99)
Q50-Q56 Excludes1: syndromes associated with anomalies in the number and form of chromosomes (Q90-Q99)
Q92 Excludes1: trisomies of chromosomes 13, 18, 21 (Q90-Q91)
Z15 Excludes1: chromosomal anomalies (Q90-Q99)

About the condition

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

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome or an extra piece of a chromosome. This extra copy changes how a baby's body and brain develop. It can cause both mental and physical challenges during their lifetime. Even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities.

Code history

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