2025 ICD-10-CM code Q44.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Congenital malformations - Other congenital malformations of the digestive system XVII Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities Feed
Atresia of bile ducts.
Modifiers may be used with this code to indicate the location and type of service provided. Consult the official coding guidelines for applicable modifiers.
Medical necessity for coding Q44.2 is established by the presence of clinical findings consistent with biliary atresia, such as jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, and characteristic imaging findings.The need for surgical intervention or liver transplantation is based on clinical assessment and severity of disease.
The clinical responsibility for a patient with Q44.2 includes diagnosis through physical examination, laboratory tests (liver function tests, imaging studies), and genetic testing where indicated. Management involves surgical correction (Kasai procedure, liver transplant), and ongoing monitoring for complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or cholangitis.
- XVII Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
- Q38-Q45 (Other congenital malformations of the digestive system)
In simple words: This code means the baby was born without one or more of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestines.Bile helps with digestion, and without it, the baby will have problems.
Q44.2 in the ICD-10-CM classification system specifies Atresia of bile ducts.This code is used to classify congenital absence or closure of the bile ducts, preventing bile flow from the liver to the duodenum. The condition typically manifests in infancy, often requiring surgical intervention.
Example 1: A newborn infant presents with jaundice, acholic stools, and hepatomegaly.Investigations reveal absent bile ducts, consistent with biliary atresia (Q44.2). A Kasai procedure is performed., A 3-month-old infant with persistent jaundice and failure to thrive undergoes liver biopsy and cholangiography, confirming biliary atresia (Q44.2). The patient is placed on the waiting list for liver transplantation., A child with a history of biliary atresia (Q44.2) who underwent a Kasai procedure as an infant presents with recurrent episodes of cholangitis.Treatment involves antibiotic therapy and close monitoring for signs of liver failure.
Detailed prenatal history, including maternal illnesses, exposure to toxins, and family history of similar conditions.Complete physical examination documenting jaundice, hepatomegaly, and acholic stools.Results of all diagnostic testing, including liver function tests (LFTs), imaging studies (ultrasound, MRI cholangiopancreatography, or MRCP), and possibly genetic testing.Operative report and pathology results for any surgical intervention (Kasai procedure, liver transplant).Progress notes documenting treatment, response to treatment, and any complications.
** This code is not used for maternal records.Always review the complete ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Surgery, Hepatology, Neonatology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center