2025 ICD-10-CM code Q79
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Congenital malformations - Congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system (Q65-Q79) Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99) Feed
Congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system, not elsewhere classified.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinically significant congenital musculoskeletal malformation impacting the patient's functional abilities and requiring intervention, monitoring, or ongoing management.
The clinical responsibility involves a thorough physical examination of the newborn, often including imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans) to characterize the musculoskeletal anomaly. Genetic testing might be considered depending on the suspected etiology. Orthopedic specialists frequently manage the case.
In simple words: This code is for birth defects affecting the bones, joints, muscles, or other parts of the body's movement system that aren't described by other, more specific codes.It means the baby was born with a problem in their musculoskeletal system.
This ICD-10-CM code classifies congenital malformations affecting the musculoskeletal system that do not fit into other, more specific categories within the Q65-Q79 range.It encompasses a broad spectrum of anomalies involving bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, present at birth.The malformations are not further specified, indicating a need for detailed clinical documentation to clarify the exact nature of the anomaly.
Example 1: A newborn presents with a clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), a condition not further specified, requiring this code because a more precise description is not available at the time of initial diagnosis.Further evaluation may later lead to a more specific code., A child is born with multiple, unspecified congenital skeletal anomalies. This would necessitate using code Q79 as a placeholder until the individual abnormalities can be definitively identified and separately coded., An infant is diagnosed with a clinically significant congenital contracture affecting several joints of the lower limbs.Due to the complexity and absence of a more precise diagnostic classification, this code might be used to reflect the condition's overall impact while awaiting detailed investigation.
Detailed clinical description of the musculoskeletal malformation, including affected structures (bones, joints, muscles, etc.), anatomical location, severity, and any associated symptoms. Imaging reports (radiographs, ultrasounds, CT scans) and genetic test results, if performed, should be included in medical record documentation.Detailed physical examination findings should support the diagnosis.
** This code is intended for situations where a definitive diagnosis of a specific congenital musculoskeletal anomaly cannot be made. The lack of specificity necessitates thorough clinical documentation to justify the use of this code.This code may be used temporarily and may be revised with more specific codes once additional clinical information is obtained.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Genetics, Neonatology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office