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2025 ICD-10-CM code Q44.3

Congenital stenosis and stricture of bile ducts.

Coding guidelines emphasize the importance of accurate documentation to support the diagnosis.The specific type of malformation (stenosis vs. stricture) should be documented clearly if possible.

Medical necessity for procedures or treatments related to Q44.3 would be established by the presence of symptoms (jaundice, abdominal pain, cholangitis), abnormal liver function tests, and imaging evidence demonstrating biliary obstruction caused by stenosis or stricture.The severity of symptoms and potential for long-term liver damage will determine the need for intervention.

The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing congenital stenosis and stricture of bile ducts typically falls upon pediatric gastroenterologists, hepatologists, or pediatric surgeons.The management may involve surgical intervention (such as Kasai procedure or biliary reconstruction) in some cases, or medical management focusing on supportive care and managing complications.

IMPORTANT:Related codes within the Q44 category may include Q44.2 (Atresia of bile ducts), Q44.4 (Choledochal cyst), and Q44.5 (Other congenital malformations of bile ducts), depending on the specific presentation.

In simple words: This code describes a birth defect where the bile ducts, tubes that carry bile from the liver, are too narrow or blocked. This can cause problems with how the liver works and may lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

This ICD-10-CM code classifies congenital stenosis and stricture of the bile ducts.It refers to a narrowing or constriction of the bile ducts present from birth. This condition can impede the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines, potentially causing jaundice, liver damage, and other complications. The diagnosis requires clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), and potentially liver function tests.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and abdominal distension.Ultrasound reveals biliary duct stenosis. Code Q44.3 is assigned., A child with a history of recurrent cholangitis and elevated bilirubin levels undergoes magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), revealing strictures in the bile ducts. Code Q44.3 is assigned., A teenager experiences progressive jaundice and abdominal pain, ultimately diagnosed with congenital bile duct stenosis through ERCP.Code Q44.3 is assigned.

Detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, relevant laboratory data (including liver function tests), and imaging studies (ultrasound, MRCP, ERCP as appropriate) are required to support the diagnosis and justify the use of Q44.3.

** Differential diagnosis should include other congenital biliary disorders such as biliary atresia, choledochal cysts, and Alagille syndrome.The clinical picture and imaging findings are critical in distinguishing these conditions.

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