ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for palate congenital deformity
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Deformity › palate (congenital)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding palate congenital deformity
The ICD-10-CM code for palate congenital deformity is Q38.5 (Congenital malformations of palate, not elsewhere classified). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q38.5.
Within Q38 (other congenital malformations of tongue, mouth and pharynx), Q38.5 is specifically for congenital malformations of palate, not elsewhere classified. Related codes cover congenital malformations of lips, not elsewhere classified (Q38.0), Ankyloglossia (Q38.1), Macroglossia (Q38.2), other congenital malformations of tongue (Q38.3), congenital malformations of salivary glands and ducts (Q38.4), other congenital malformations of mouth (Q38.6), congenital pharyngeal pouch (Q38.7) and other congenital malformations of pharynx (Q38.8).
Don't report Q38.5 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: cleft palate (Q35.-) and cleft palate with cleft lip (Q37.-).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific palate congenital deformity codes (official index)
- acquired M27.8 — Other specified diseases of jaws
- cleft (congenital)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for Q38.5)
Common questions about palate congenital deformity ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for palate congenital deformity?
- Q38.5 — Congenital malformations of palate, not elsewhere classified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M27.8.
What is the ICD-10 code for acquired palate congenital deformity?
- M27.8 — Other specified diseases of jaws.
Is Q38.5 billable?
- Yes. Q38.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Q38.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q38.5 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Q38.5 a CC or MCC?
- No. Q38.5 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.