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 CodesQ79.0

Q79.0

Billable

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q79.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a defect in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs to move into the thoracic cavity, which can severely affect lung development and function. This condition is typically diagnosed in utero via ultrasound or shortly after birth when the infant presents with respiratory distress. The hernia can occur on either side of the diaphragm, with left-sided hernias being more common. Clinical manifestations may include cyanosis, tachypnea, and a scaphoid abdomen. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to repair the defect and may require additional supportive care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting. Long-term outcomes depend on the severity of the hernia and associated pulmonary hypoplasia. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving survival rates and minimizing complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of the condition
  • Need for precise documentation of associated anomalies
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions
  • Differentiation from other congenital anomalies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated anomalies
  • Failure to specify the side of the hernia
  • Misclassification of severity or type of hernia
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on respiratory status, surgical interventions, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with respiratory distress, requiring immediate evaluation and potential surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of associated congenital anomalies and their impact on treatment and coding.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic counseling notes, family history, and any chromosomal studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of familial patterns of congenital anomalies and genetic syndromes associated with CDH.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the genetic implications and potential for syndromic associations with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q79.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's severity and any associated anomalies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q79.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

39501CPT Code

Repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Clinical Scenario

Used during surgical intervention for CDH repair.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the surgical procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric surgical documentation must include details on the patient's age and weight.

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 and severity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and its associated anomalies.

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 and severity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and its associated anomalies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity and severity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and its associated anomalies.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common associated conditions with congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

Common associated conditions include pulmonary hypoplasia, congenital heart defects, and other congenital anomalies. Accurate coding requires documentation of these associated conditions to reflect the complexity of care.