Q21.1

⚠ Non-billable (Header)

Atrial septal defect

Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0)

⚠️ This is a category header code — not billable. Use a more specific child code below.

Check This Code

❌ Excludes1

inherited

Rules inherited from parent codes in the hierarchy.

  • acquired cardiac septal defect (I51.0)

⚠️ Excludes2

direct

Both codes can exist if both conditions are documented.

  • ostium primum atrial septal defect (type I) (Q21.20)

Clinical Description

ICD-10-CM code Q21.1 represents atrial septal defect. This code falls under the Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0) classification. It is a non-billable category header code. A more specific child code from the list below must be used for billing and reimbursement purposes.

This is a 5-character code at the 4th level of specificity. There are 8 more specific child codes under Q21.1. Coders should note that Q21.1 has 1 Excludes1 restriction(s) — codes that cannot be reported together on the same claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICD-10 code Q21.1?

ICD-10-CM code Q21.1 is "Atrial septal defect". It belongs to the category: Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0).

Is Q21.1 a billable ICD-10 code?

No, Q21.1 is a non-billable header code. A more specific child code must be used for billing.

What codes are excluded with Q21.1?

Q21.1 has 1 Excludes1 rule(s). These codes are mutually exclusive and cannot be coded together on the same claim.

Can Q21.1 be coded with other codes?

Q21.1 has 1 Excludes2 note(s). These conditions can be coded together if both are documented in the patient record.

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Code Information

CodeQ21.1
BillableNo — Header code
ParentQ21
CategoryCongenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0)
Excludes11 rule(s)
Excludes21 note(s)
Child codes8

Data Source

CMS ICD-10-CM 2026 Tabular List

Updated October 1, 2025 (FY2026)