ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 17: Congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalitiesQ78

Q78

Billable

Other osteochondrodysplasias

Chapter 17:Congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q78 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other osteochondrodysplasias.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteochondrodysplasias are a group of congenital disorders characterized by abnormal growth and development of bone and cartilage. These conditions can lead to a variety of skeletal deformities and malformations, affecting the musculoskeletal system. Common manifestations include disproportionate short stature, limb deformities, and spinal abnormalities. Specific conditions under this code may include clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), hip dysplasia, limb reduction defects, and scoliosis. Each of these conditions presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management, often requiring multidisciplinary approaches involving pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, and geneticists. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and resource allocation, as well as for understanding the epidemiology of these conditions. The complexity of these disorders often necessitates thorough clinical documentation to capture the full extent of the patient's condition and any associated anomalies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of conditions
  • Need for detailed documentation of associated anomalies
  • Differentiation from other similar congenital conditions
  • Potential for multiple co-existing diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify associated congenital anomalies
  • Misclassification of conditions with similar presentations
  • Lack of genetic testing documentation when applicable

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed growth and developmental assessments, family history, and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of clubfoot in infants, evaluation of hip dysplasia in newborns, and monitoring of scoliosis progression in children.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related growth patterns and the impact of treatment interventions on long-term outcomes.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family pedigree, and detailed descriptions of phenotypic features.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Genetic counseling for families with a history of osteochondrodysplasias and interpretation of genetic test results.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the inheritance patterns and potential for recurrence in future pregnancies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q78 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for congenital malformations, ensuring specificity in documentation and adherence to coding conventions for osteochondrodysplasias

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q78 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

27570CPT Code

Osteotomy, femur

Clinical Scenario

Used in the surgical correction of hip dysplasia.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessment, imaging studies, and surgical notes.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists must document the rationale for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Coding for Pediatric Care

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Coding for Pediatric Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is necessary for coding Q78?

Comprehensive documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results, and any genetic testing that supports the diagnosis of osteochondrodysplasia. It is essential to specify any associated anomalies and the severity of the condition.