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ICD-10 Coding for Macrocephaly(Q75.3, G91.9)

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

Also known as:

Large HeadIncreased Head Circumference

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Macrocephaly

Q75-Q75.9Primary Range

Congenital malformations of skull and face bones

Includes macrocephaly and related cranial malformations.

Hydrocephalus

Relevant for macrocephaly caused by hydrocephalus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q75.3MacrocephalyUse for isolated macrocephaly without syndromic features.
  • OFC >97th percentile
  • Normal neuroimaging
  • Negative family history of pathology
G91.9Hydrocephalus, unspecifiedUse when macrocephaly is due to hydrocephalus.
  • Ventricular enlargement on MRI
  • Symptoms of increased ICP

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 macrocephaly

Essential facts and insights about Macrocephaly

The ICD-10 code for isolated macrocephaly is Q75.3, used when no syndromic features are present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for macrocephaly

Macrocephaly
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • OFC >97th percentile with normal imaging

Applicable To

  • Isolated congenital macrocephaly

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • OFC >97th percentile
  • Normal neuroimaging
  • Negative family history of pathology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with megalencephaly

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies isolated macrocephaly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Developmental delay

R62.51
Use if developmental delay is present.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified congenital malformations of brain

Q04.8
Use for megalencephaly with abnormal cortical development.

Congenital hydrocephalus

Q03.9
Use for congenital etiology confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Macrocephaly to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q75.3.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate assessment of underlying causes., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging is ordered and results documented., Include imaging findings in clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm brain volume via MRI and use Q04.8 if necessary.

Impact

Using non-specific codes for macrocephaly.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation supports code choice.

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 Macrocephaly, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Macrocephaly

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

Isolated Macrocephaly

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • OFC measurement
  • Growth chart comparison
  • Family history
  • Neuroimaging results

Example Documentation

OFC 45 cm (>99.9th percentile for age 6mo, +3.5 SD). MRI shows normal ventricular size. Parental OFC: Father 64 cm (>99th percentile).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Large head noted.
Good Documentation Example
OFC 45 cm (>99.9th percentile for age 6mo, +3.5 SD). MRI shows normal ventricular size.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and imaging results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Macrocephaly? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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