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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 6: Diseases of the nervous systemG06

G06

Billable

Intracranial and intraspinal abscess and granuloma

Chapter 6:Diseases of the nervous system

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 G06 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of intracranial and intraspinal abscess and granuloma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intracranial and intraspinal abscesses and granulomas represent localized collections of pus or inflammatory tissue within the central nervous system (CNS). These conditions can arise from various infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, or parasites, and may occur as a result of direct infection, hematogenous spread, or post-surgical complications. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as headache, fever, neurological deficits, and altered mental status. Diagnosis typically involves neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans, which can reveal the presence of abscesses or granulomas. Treatment often requires a combination of antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention, particularly if there is significant mass effect or if the abscess is not responding to medical management. The prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause, the patient's overall health, and the timeliness of intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between abscesses and granulomas based on imaging and clinical presentation.
  • Understanding the various etiologies, including infectious and non-infectious causes.
  • Navigating the coding for complications arising from abscesses, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
  • The need for precise documentation of the location and nature of the abscess or granuloma.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the abscess or granuloma's size and location.
  • Failure to specify the causative organism when known.
  • Misclassification of abscesses as other types of lesions.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions like meningitis or encephalitis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with headaches, seizures, or focal neurological deficits.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the relationship between the abscess and any neurological symptoms.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Identification of the infectious agent, treatment response, and any co-morbid conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known immunocompromised states presenting with CNS infections.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the underlying infectious process is crucial for appropriate treatment and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G06 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G06 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of an intracranial or intraspinal abscess or granuloma
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G06 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

61550CPT Code

Craniotomy for abscess drainage

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for an intracranial abscess.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgery documentation must include pre-operative imaging and post-operative care plans.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intracranial and intraspinal abscesses and granulomas, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better tracking of these conditions and their outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intracranial and intraspinal abscesses and granulomas, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better tracking of these conditions and their outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better tracking of these conditions and their outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an abscess and a granuloma?

An abscess is a localized collection of pus due to infection, while a granuloma is a chronic inflammatory response that can occur due to various causes, including infection, foreign bodies, or autoimmune diseases.