Q10-Q17
Medium Complexity

Congenital malformations of the nervous system

Primary Specialty: Pediatrics
Last Updated: 2025-09-09

ICD-10 Codes (52)

45 billable
0 category headers
Q11
Anophthalmos, microphthalmos and macrophthalmos
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Q11.0
Billable
Cystic eyeball
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Q11.1
Billable
Other anophthalmos
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Q11.2
Billable
Microphthalmos
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Q11.3
Billable
Macrophthalmos
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Q12
Congenital lens malformations
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Q12.0
Billable
Congenital cataract
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Q12.1
Billable
Congenital displaced lens
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Q12.2
Billable
Coloboma of lens
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Q12.3
Billable
Congenital aphakia
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Q12.4
Billable
Spherophakia
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Q12.8
Billable
Other congenital lens malformations
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Q12.9
Billable
Congenital lens malformation, unspecified
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Q13
Congenital malformations of anterior segment of eye
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Q13.0
Billable
Coloboma of iris
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Q13.1
Billable
Absence of iris
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Q13.2
Billable
Other congenital malformations of iris
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Q13.3
Billable
Congenital corneal opacity
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Q13.4
Billable
Other congenital corneal malformations
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Q13.5
Billable
Blue sclera
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Q13.8
Billable
Other congenital malformations of anterior segment of eye
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Q13.81
Billable
Rieger anomaly
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Q13.89
Billable
Other congenital malformations of anterior segment of eye
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Q13.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of anterior segment of eye, unspecified
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Q14
Congenital malformations of posterior segment of eye
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Q14.0
Billable
Congenital malformation of vitreous humor
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Q14.1
Billable
Congenital malformation of retina
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Q14.2
Billable
Congenital malformation of optic disc
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Q14.3
Billable
Congenital malformation of choroid
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Q14.8
Billable
Other congenital malformations of posterior segment of eye
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Q14.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of posterior segment of eye, unspecified
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Q15
Other congenital malformations of eye
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Q15.0
Billable
Congenital glaucoma
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Q15.8
Billable
Other specified congenital malformations of eye
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Q15.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of eye, unspecified
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Q16
Congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing
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Q16.0
Billable
Congenital absence of (ear) auricle
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Q16.1
Billable
Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)
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Q16.2
Billable
Absence of eustachian tube
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Q16.3
Billable
Congenital malformation of ear ossicles
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Q16.4
Billable
Other congenital malformations of middle ear
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Q16.5
Billable
Congenital malformation of inner ear
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Q16.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified
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Q17
Other congenital malformations of ear
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Q17.0
Billable
Accessory auricle
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Q17.1
Billable
Macrotia
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Q17.2
Billable
Microtia
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Q17.3
Billable
Other misshapen ear
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Q17.4
Billable
Misplaced ear
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Q17.5
Billable
Prominent ear
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Q17.8
Billable
Other specified congenital malformations of ear
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Q17.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of ear, unspecified
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Updates & Changes

FY 2026 Updates

Current Year

New Codes (1)

Q23.4
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome with mitral atresia

Revised Codes (1)

Q21.0
Ventricular septal defect - updated to include hemodynamic significance when known

Deleted Codes

No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026

Historical Changes

  • •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
  • •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
  • •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity

Upcoming Changes

  • •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
  • •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes

Implementation Guidance

  • •Review all FY 2026 updates for Q10-Q17 codes before implementation
  • •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
  • •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
  • +3 more guidance items...

Range Overview

high priority

The ICD-10 code range Q10-Q17 refers to congenital malformations of the nervous system. These codes are used to document congenital anomalies such as anencephaly, spina bifida, congenital hydrocephalus, and other specified and unspecified congenital malformations of the nervous system. The codes provide a comprehensive classification of these conditions, allowing for detailed recording and tracking of these congenital disorders.

Key Usage Points:

  • •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
  • •Use additional codes to identify any associated underlying conditions.
  • •Use additional code to identify any associated intellectual disabilities.
  • •Do not use adult condition codes for congenital conditions.
  • •Always verify codes in the ICD-10-CM book before finalizing.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

  • ✓When a patient presents with a congenital malformation of the nervous system.
  • ✓When a patient has a history of a congenital nervous system disorder.
  • ✓When a patient's congenital nervous system disorder affects their current health status.
  • ✓When a patient is being treated for complications related to a congenital nervous system disorder.

When NOT to Use:

  • ✗When the patient's condition is acquired, not congenital.
  • ✗When the patient's condition is not related to the nervous system.
  • ✗When the patient's condition is a mental or behavioral disorder, not a nervous system disorder.
  • ✗When the patient's condition is a neurological disorder, but not congenital.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10-CM book before finalizing the code.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for congenital malformations of the nervous system should be comprehensive, detailing the specific condition, its severity, any associated conditions, and the impact on the patient's health status. The documentation should also include any relevant history and examination findings.

Clinical Information:

  • •Specific diagnosis
  • •Severity of the condition
  • •Associated conditions
  • •Impact on health status
  • •History and examination findings

Supporting Evidence:

  • •Medical history records
  • •Physical examination notes
  • •Laboratory test results
  • •Imaging studies
Good Documentation Example:

Patient diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus, severe, with associated intellectual disability. History of multiple shunt revisions.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has hydrocephalus.

Common Documentation Errors:

  • âš Not documenting the specific diagnosis
  • âš Not documenting the severity of the condition
  • âš Not documenting associated conditions
  • âš Not documenting the impact on health status

Range Statistics

8
Total Codes
45
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:17

Coding Complexity

Medium
Complexity Rating

Coding for congenital malformations of the nervous system can be complex due to the need to understand the specific diagnosis, identify any associated conditions, determine the impact on the patient's health status, and navigate the exclusions. However, with thorough documentation and careful coding, these challenges can be managed.

Key Factors:
  • â–¸Understanding the specific diagnosis
  • â–¸Identifying associated conditions
  • â–¸Determining the impact on health status
  • â–¸Navigating the exclusions

Specialty Focus

These codes are primarily used by pediatricians, neurologists, and neurosurgeons. They are also used by other specialists who manage patients with congenital malformations of the nervous system.

Primary Specialties:
Pediatrics
40%
Neurology
30%
Neurosurgery
30%
Clinical Scenarios:
  • • Newborn diagnosed with anencephaly.
  • • Child with spina bifida presenting for follow-up.
  • • Adult with history of congenital hydrocephalus presenting with headache.
  • • Patient with congenital malformation of the nervous system presenting with seizures.

Resources & References

Resources for coding congenital malformations of the nervous system include the ICD-10-CM book, official coding guidelines, and clinical reference materials.

Official Guidelines:

  • ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
  • American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines

Clinical References:

  • UpToDate
  • Medscape

Educational Materials:

  • ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
  • AAPC ICD-10 Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these codes for acquired conditions of the nervous system?

No, these codes are specifically for congenital malformations of the nervous system. Acquired conditions should be coded using their respective codes in the ICD-10-CM.