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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ44.5

Q44.5

Billable

Other congenital malformations of bile ducts

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q44.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other congenital malformations of bile ducts.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital malformations of the bile ducts encompass a range of structural anomalies that can significantly impact the digestive system. These malformations may include conditions such as biliary atresia, where the bile ducts are absent or blocked, leading to bile accumulation and liver damage. Other anomalies may involve cystic dilatation of the bile ducts or abnormal connections between the bile ducts and other structures. These conditions often present in infancy with symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and poor weight gain. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and management may require surgical intervention to restore bile flow or liver transplantation in severe cases. Understanding the complexities of these congenital malformations is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate clinical management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of conditions
  • Need for precise documentation of associated symptoms
  • Differentiation from acquired conditions
  • Potential for multiple congenital anomalies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated conditions
  • Misclassification of congenital vs. acquired conditions
  • Failure to capture all relevant congenital anomalies
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pediatric history including prenatal factors, birth history, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with jaundice, failure to thrive, or abdominal distension due to congenital bile duct anomalies.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of associated congenital conditions and the need for multidisciplinary management.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history of congenital conditions, and any syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases where congenital malformations are part of a genetic syndrome, requiring genetic counseling.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the genetic basis of congenital malformations and implications for family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q44.5 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring specificity in documentation and adherence to coding conventions for congenital conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q44.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

47563CPT Code

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of gallbladder anomalies requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric surgical considerations for congenital cases.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of congenital malformations of bile ducts?

Common symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and poor weight gain in infants. These symptoms arise due to impaired bile flow and liver function.