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    OpenPayerBilling CodesCongenital malformations of eye, ear, face and neckICD-10-CM q16-congenital-malformations-of-ear
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Congenital Malformations Of Ear Causing Impairment Of Hearing: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group Q16 includes congenital malformations of the ear that cause impairment of hearing, such as anotia, microtia, and congenital aural atresia affecting external, middle, or inner ear structures. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical scenarios involving congenital structural ear anomalies that impact auditory function, capture severity and laterality, and inform related interventions. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM Q16 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM Q16: Congenital Malformations Of Ear Causing Impairment Of Hearing Overview

    This code group represents congenital deformities of the external, middle, or inner ear that result in impaired hearing. It targets congenital structural anomalies affecting auditory function and related ear anatomy. Accurate coding is important for capturing disease burden and supporting appropriate reimbursement for services related to hearing assessment and management.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when a congenital ear malformation is identified as the cause of hearing impairment or when documenting anatomical congenital ear anomalies affecting auditory function. Codes are applied in settings reporting diagnostic findings, preoperative assessment for ear reconstruction or auditory rehabilitation, and ongoing management of congenital hearing loss.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    7 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    Q16.0Congenital absence of (ear) auricle
    Q16.1Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)
    Q16.2Absence of eustachian tube
    Q16.3Congenital malformation of ear ossicles
    Q16.4Other congenital malformations of middle ear
    Q16.5Congenital malformation of inner ear
    Q16.9Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    3 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    154Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC
    155Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC
    156Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC

    Related Codes

    Q10-CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS-OF-EYELID-LACRIMAL-APPARATUS-AND-ORBIT

    ICD-10-CM Code For Congenital Malformations Of Eyelid Lacrimal Apparatus And Orbit: Group Overview

    Q11-ANOPHTHALMOS-MICROPHTHALMOS-MACROPHTHALMOS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Anophthalmos Microphthalmos And Macrophthalmos: Group Overview

    Q13-CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS-ANTERIOR-SEGMENT

    ICD-10-CM Code For Congenital Malformations Of Anterior Segment Of Eye: Group Overview

    Q14-CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS-POSTERIOR-EYE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Congenital Malformations Of Posterior Segment Of Eye: Group Overview

    Q15-OTHER-CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS-OF-EYE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Congenital Malformations Of Eye: Group Overview

    Q17-OTHER-CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS-OF-EAR

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Congenital Malformations Of Ear: Group Overview

    Q18-OTHER-CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS-FACE-NECK

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Congenital Malformations Of Face And Neck: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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