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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Subdural Haematoma(S06.5X-S, I69.21-)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Subdural Haematoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

cSDHChronic Subdural Hemorrhage

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Subdural Haematoma

S06.5XPrimary Range

Traumatic subdural hemorrhage

Used for coding traumatic chronic subdural haematomas, especially when related to sequelae of head trauma.

Sequelae of non-traumatic subdural hemorrhage

Applicable for non-traumatic or spontaneous chronic subdural haematomas, often related to cerebrovascular accidents.

Intracranial hypotension following a procedure

Used for post-procedural chronic subdural haematomas linked to surgical interventions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S06.5X-STraumatic subdural hemorrhage, sequelaUse for chronic subdural hematomas resulting from traumatic events.
  • Documented head trauma >21 days old
  • Imaging confirmation of chronic blood products
I69.21-Sequelae of non-traumatic subdural hemorrhageUse for chronic subdural hematomas without a traumatic origin.
  • No history of trauma
  • Radiologic confirmation of chronic collection

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic subdural haematoma

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Subdural Haematoma

The ICD-10 code for traumatic chronic subdural haematoma is S06.5X-S, while non-traumatic cases use I69.21-.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic subdural haematoma

Traumatic subdural hemorrhage, sequela
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronic subdural hematoma with history of trauma

Applicable To

  • Chronic subdural hematoma due to trauma

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented head trauma >21 days old
  • Imaging confirmation of chronic blood products

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure trauma is documented as the cause to avoid miscoding.

Coding Notes

  • Sequence external cause codes before S06.5X-S.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Persistent altered mental status

R40.24
Use when altered mental status is documented alongside cSDH.

Long term (current) use of anticoagulants

Z79.01
Use when anticoagulant use is documented and relevant to the cSDH.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Acute subdural hemorrhage

S06.5X0-
Acute subdural hemorrhage is used for recent trauma with acute presentation.

Other cerebrovascular disorders

I68.8
Used for specific cerebrovascular conditions like amyloid angiopathy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Subdural Haematoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S06.5X-S.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture affecting treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include etiology in the documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'chronic' to use the correct code.

Impact

Lack of etiology documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes clear etiology.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Chronic Subdural Haematoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Subdural Haematoma

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Subdural Haematoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurosurgery Post-Op Note

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Density
  • Midline shift
  • Membrane formation

Example Documentation

**cSDH Characteristics:** - Laterality: [Left/Right/Bilateral] - Density: [Hypodense/Iso-dense/Mixed] - Midline shift: [X] mm - Membrane formation: [Present/Absent]

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
SDH noted on CT
Good Documentation Example
Chronic subdural hematoma (3.2 cm left parietal) 8 weeks post ground-level fall without LOC, recurrent after burr hole drainage 2/2025
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the hematoma, its chronicity, and relevant medical history.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Subdural Haematoma? Ask your questions below.

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