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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesCleft lip and cleft palateICD-10-CM q35-cleft-palate
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Cleft Palate: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group Q35 includes congenital clefting of the palate, such as cleft of the hard palate, soft palate, and combined palate clefts, as well as variations in anatomical involvement. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document congenital orofacial defects that affect feeding, speech, dental development, and middle ear function, capturing the anatomical site and clinical complexity. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM Q35 group supports complete clinical documentation and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM Q35: Cleft Palate Overview

    The ICD-10-CM Q35 code group represents congenital malformations of the palate, including isolated cleft palate and variants involving the soft and/or hard palate. These conditions affect the orofacial structures and can impact feeding, speech, and middle ear function. Accurate coding matters for proper clinical documentation and reimbursement because it captures the specific anatomical site and extent of the cleft.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when documenting a congenital cleft of the palate identified at birth or on subsequent evaluation that affects the hard palate, soft palate, or both. Select the code that reflects the precise anatomical site and any laterality or associated findings as documented in the medical record.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    5 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    Q35.1Cleft hard palate
    Q35.3Cleft soft palate
    Q35.5Cleft hard palate with cleft soft palate
    Q35.7Cleft uvula
    Q35.9Cleft palate, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    6 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    011Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC
    012Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC
    013Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC
    157Dental and Oral Diseases with MCC
    158Dental and Oral Diseases with CC
    159Dental and Oral Diseases without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A newborn delivered with an obvious midline defect of the palate causing feeding difficulty and nasal regurgitation; the infant is evaluated by pediatrics and referred to craniofacial/plastics for planning surgical repair. Physical exam shows a complete cleft of the secondary palate extending through the soft and hard palate, so a specific cleft palate diagnosis is assigned. Typical codes: Q35.1, Q35.9
    • An adolescent with a history of repaired isolated cleft palate presents for speech therapy and assessment of velopharyngeal insufficiency causing hypernasal speech; otolaryngology documents an unrepaired or residual cleft of the soft palate affecting articulation. The encounter is for ongoing management of a chronic congenital palatal defect contributing to speech dysfunction, prompting assignment of a cleft palate code reflecting the soft palate involvement. Typical codes: Q35.3, Q35.5
    • An adult trauma patient presents after a motor vehicle collision with a previously undiagnosed congenital palatal fistula now complicated by recurrent aspiration and chronic sinusitis; otolaryngology documents a congenital cleft of the hard palate with fistula formation contributing to infectious complications. The clinician assigns a congenital cleft palate diagnosis as a comorbid condition impacting treatment and infection risk. Typical codes: Q35.7, Q35.9

    Related Codes

    Q36-CLEFT-LIP

    ICD-10-CM Code For Cleft Lip: Group Overview

    Q37-CLEFT-PALATE-WITH-CLEFT-LIP

    ICD-10-CM Code For Cleft Palate With Cleft Lip: 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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