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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for palate perforation

Q35.9

Cleft palate, unspecified

✓ Billable / specific

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Perforation, perforated (nontraumatic) (of) › palate”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding palate perforation

The ICD-10-CM code for palate perforation is Q35.9 (Cleft palate, unspecified). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q35.9.

Within Q35, choose Q35.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: hard palate (Q35.1), soft palate (Q35.3), hard palate with cleft soft palate (Q35.5) and uvula (Q35.7).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 011 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC, relative weight 5.6154), DRG 012 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC, relative weight 4.381), DRG 013 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.7307), DRG 157 (Dental and Oral Diseases with MCC, relative weight 1.809), DRG 158 (Dental and Oral Diseases with CC, relative weight 0.9366) and DRG 159 (Dental and Oral Diseases without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6893), in Pre-MDC and MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific palate perforation codes (official index)

  • syphilitic A52.79 — Other symptomatic late syphilis

Common questions about palate perforation ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for palate perforation?

Q35.9 — Cleft palate, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A52.79.

What is the ICD-10 code for syphilitic palate perforation?

A52.79 — Other symptomatic late syphilis.

Is Q35.9 billable?

Yes. Q35.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can Q35.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q35.9 as a principal diagnosis.

Is Q35.9 a CC or MCC?

No. Q35.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.