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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG91.3

G91.3

Billable

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G91.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of post-traumatic hydrocephalus, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain following a traumatic injury. This condition can arise from various types of head trauma, including concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries that disrupt the normal flow and absorption of CSF. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, cognitive impairments, and changes in consciousness. The condition can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may result in further neurological deficits if not managed appropriately. Diagnosis typically involves neuroimaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans to visualize ventricular enlargement and assess for any underlying causes of obstruction or impaired CSF absorption. Treatment options may include the placement of a shunt to facilitate CSF drainage and alleviate pressure on the brain. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause or type of post-traumatic hydrocephalus has not been clearly defined, necessitating careful clinical evaluation and documentation to guide management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes of hydrocephalus.
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma history.
  • Differentiation from other types of hydrocephalus.
  • Potential for co-existing neurological conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the traumatic event.
  • Failure to document symptoms and their severity.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with headaches, cognitive changes, or signs of increased intracranial pressure following head trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological assessments and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring shunt placement or other surgical interventions for hydrocephalus.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any complications encountered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G91.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, G91
  • 3 should be used when the hydrocephalus is a direct result of trauma and the specific type is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical details are captured to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G91.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62230CPT Code

Insertion of a ventricular shunt

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for hydrocephalus management.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up documentation.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical necessity is well-documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like post-traumatic hydrocephalus, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like post-traumatic hydrocephalus, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

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 are the common symptoms of post-traumatic hydrocephalus?

Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, cognitive changes, and signs of increased intracranial pressure such as altered consciousness.

How is post-traumatic hydrocephalus diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through neuroimaging studies like CT or MRI, which reveal ventricular enlargement and assess for any obstructions in CSF flow.