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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ37.3

Q37.3

Billable

Cleft soft palate with unilateral cleft lip

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q37.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cleft soft palate with unilateral cleft lip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cleft soft palate with unilateral cleft lip is a congenital malformation characterized by a split or opening in the soft palate, which is the back portion of the roof of the mouth, accompanied by a unilateral cleft lip. This condition can lead to various complications, including difficulties with feeding, speech development, and increased risk of ear infections due to the abnormal structure of the oral and nasal cavities. The cleft can vary in severity, affecting not only the soft palate but also the surrounding structures. Surgical intervention is often required to repair the cleft and restore normal function. The timing of surgery is crucial and typically occurs within the first year of life. Multidisciplinary care involving pediatricians, surgeons, speech therapists, and nutritionists is essential for optimal management of affected children. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, including speech and social development.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of clefts
  • Need for multidisciplinary documentation
  • Potential for associated anomalies
  • Timing and type of surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated conditions
  • Failure to capture all relevant procedures
  • Misclassification of cleft type
  • Lack of evidence for multidisciplinary care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include growth parameters, feeding assessments, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborn assessments, surgical consultations, and follow-up visits for speech therapy.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the impact of the cleft on feeding and the need for early intervention services.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, genetic testing results, and any syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of clefts or syndromic presentations.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the potential for chromosomal abnormalities and the need for genetic testing in certain cases.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q37.3 When
  • Official coding guidelines for congenital conditions emphasize the importance of accurate documentation of the type and severity of the cleft, associated anomalies, and the multidisciplinary approach to care

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q37.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

15732CPT Code

Repair of cleft lip

Clinical Scenario

Used during surgical intervention for cleft lip repair.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of repair and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric surgeons should provide detailed operative notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like Q37.3.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like Q37.3.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common complications associated with Q37.3?

Common complications include feeding difficulties, speech delays, and increased risk of ear infections. Early intervention and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing these issues.