Q30-Q34
Medium Complexity

Congenital malformations of the respiratory system

Primary Specialty: Pediatrics
Last Updated: 2025-09-10

ICD-10 Codes (29)

26 billable
0 category headers
Q31
Congenital malformations of larynx
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Q31.0
Billable
Web of larynx
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Q31.1
Billable
Congenital subglottic stenosis
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Q31.2
Billable
Laryngeal hypoplasia
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Q31.3
Billable
Laryngocele
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Q31.5
Billable
Congenital laryngomalacia
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Q31.8
Billable
Other congenital malformations of larynx
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Q31.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of larynx, unspecified
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Q32
Billable
Congenital malformations of trachea and bronchus
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Q32.0
Billable
Congenital tracheomalacia
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Q32.1
Billable
Other congenital malformations of trachea
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Q32.2
Billable
Congenital bronchomalacia
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Q32.3
Billable
Congenital stenosis of bronchus
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Q32.4
Billable
Other congenital malformations of bronchus
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Q33
Congenital malformations of lung
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Q33.0
Billable
Congenital cystic lung
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Q33.1
Billable
Accessory lobe of lung
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Q33.2
Billable
Sequestration of lung
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Q33.3
Billable
Agenesis of lung
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Q33.4
Billable
Congenital bronchiectasis
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Q33.5
Billable
Ectopic tissue in lung
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Q33.6
Billable
Congenital hypoplasia and dysplasia of lung
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Q33.8
Billable
Other congenital malformations of lung
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Q33.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of lung, unspecified
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Q34
Other congenital malformations of respiratory system
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Q34.0
Billable
Anomaly of pleura
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Q34.1
Billable
Congenital cyst of mediastinum
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Q34.8
Billable
Other specified congenital malformations of respiratory system
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Q34.9
Billable
Congenital malformation of respiratory system, 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 Q30-Q34 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 Q30-Q34 pertains to congenital malformations of the respiratory system. These codes are used to document congenital anomalies such as malformations of the nose, larynx, trachea, bronchus, lung, and other parts of the respiratory system. It also includes conditions like congenital cystic lung, bronchogenic cyst, and congenital bronchiectasis.

Key Usage Points:

  • Always code to the highest level of specificity.
  • Use additional code to identify any associated anomalies.
  • Use additional code, where applicable, to identify exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22).
  • Do not use these codes for conditions acquired after birth.
  • Always verify codes in the ICD-10-CM book before finalizing.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

  • When a patient is diagnosed with a congenital malformation of the respiratory system.
  • When a patient has a history of a congenital respiratory anomaly.
  • When a congenital respiratory anomaly is discovered during a routine health examination.
  • When a patient is being treated for complications related to a congenital respiratory anomaly.
  • When a patient is undergoing surgery to correct a congenital respiratory anomaly.

When NOT to Use:

  • When the patient's condition is acquired and not congenital.
  • When the patient's condition is not related to the respiratory system.
  • When the patient's condition is a temporary or transient respiratory issue.
  • When the patient's condition is due to an external cause or injury.

Code Exclusions

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

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for congenital malformations of the respiratory system should be comprehensive, detailing the specific type of malformation, its location, any associated anomalies, and any complications or treatments related to the condition.

Clinical Information:

  • Specific type of congenital malformation
  • Location of the malformation
  • Any associated anomalies
  • Any complications related to the malformation
  • Any treatments or surgeries related to the malformation

Supporting Evidence:

  • Diagnostic imaging reports
  • Surgical reports
  • Clinical notes from specialists
  • Genetic testing results
Good Documentation Example:

Patient diagnosed with congenital bronchiectasis of the left lower lobe. No associated anomalies. Patient undergoing physiotherapy.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has a lung condition.

Common Documentation Errors:

  • Not coding to the highest level of specificity
  • Not documenting associated anomalies
  • Not documenting treatments or surgeries
  • Using these codes for acquired conditions

Range Statistics

5
Total Codes
26
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:17

Coding Complexity

Medium
Complexity Rating

The complexity of coding for congenital malformations of the respiratory system is medium because it requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the respiratory system and the ability to identify and code for associated anomalies and complications.

Key Factors:
  • Identifying the specific type of malformation
  • Identifying the location of the malformation
  • Identifying any associated anomalies
  • Identifying any complications or treatments related to the malformation

Specialty Focus

These codes are most commonly used in pediatrics, neonatology, and pulmonology. They may also be used in general practice when a congenital respiratory anomaly is discovered during a routine examination.

Primary Specialties:
Pediatrics
40%
Neonatology
30%
Pulmonology
20%
Clinical Scenarios:
  • A newborn diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
  • A child with a history of congenital laryngomalacia presenting with stridor.
  • A patient undergoing surgery to correct a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula.
  • A patient with congenital bronchiectasis presenting with recurrent respiratory infections.

Resources & References

Resources for coding congenital malformations of the respiratory system include the ICD-10-CM official guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational materials on congenital respiratory anomalies.

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:

  • American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines
  • American Thoracic Society guidelines

Educational Materials:

  • AAPC ICD-10-CM training materials
  • AHIMA ICD-10-CM coding resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Q30-Q34 code for a condition that was acquired after birth?

No, these codes are specifically for congenital malformations of the respiratory system. Acquired conditions should be coded differently.