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ICD-10 Coding for Obstructive Hydrocephalus(G91.1)

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

Also known as:

Non-communicating HydrocephalusAqueductal Stenosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Obstructive Hydrocephalus

G91-G94Primary Range

Other disorders of brain

This range includes codes for various types of hydrocephalus, including obstructive hydrocephalus.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for obstructive hydrocephalus

Essential facts and insights about Obstructive Hydrocephalus

The ICD-10 code for obstructive hydrocephalus is G91.1, used when imaging confirms ventricular obstruction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for obstructive hydrocephalus

Obstructive hydrocephalus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows ventricular enlargement proximal to obstruction.

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'obstructive hydrocephalus' in clinical notes.

Applicable To

  • Non-communicating hydrocephalus

Excludes

  • Communicating hydrocephalus (G91.0)
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus (G91.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ventricular enlargement proximal to obstruction site
  • ≥5mm temporal horn dilation
  • Absence of CSF flow past cerebral aqueduct on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with communicating hydrocephalus
  • Omission of underlying cause if applicable

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of hydrocephalus and any underlying conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hydrocephalus in neoplastic disease

G94.1
Use with G91.1 when hydrocephalus is secondary to a neoplasm.

Differential Codes

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

Communicating hydrocephalus

G91.0
Use when CSF flow obstruction occurs after ventricular exit.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

G91.2
Requires normal CSF pressure with classic triad symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Obstructive Hydrocephalus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G91.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on the importance of specifying hydrocephalus type., Use templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the underlying cause, such as a neoplasm.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of hydrocephalus and underlying condition codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Follow ICD-10 guidelines for code sequencing.

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

Documentation Templates for Obstructive Hydrocephalus

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

Neurosurgery H&P

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Assessment of hydrocephalus type
  • Anatomic site of obstruction
  • Underlying cause if known

Example Documentation

Obstructive hydrocephalus (G91.1) secondary to colloid cyst of third ventricle (D33.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hydrocephalus noted, will monitor.
Good Documentation Example
Obstructive hydrocephalus at cerebral aqueduct with 8mm Hg pressure gradient on ICP monitoring, secondary to pineocytoma (C75.3).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the type of hydrocephalus, the site of obstruction, and the underlying cause.

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

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