ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG91.8

G91.8

Billable

Other hydrocephalus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G91.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other hydrocephalus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other hydrocephalus (G91.8) refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, which is not classified under the more common types of hydrocephalus such as communicating or non-communicating hydrocephalus. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including congenital malformations, infections, tumors, or post-surgical complications. Patients may present with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, cognitive impairments, and gait disturbances. 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 MRI or CT scans to visualize the ventricular enlargement and assess the underlying cause. Treatment options may include the placement of a shunt to facilitate CSF drainage or addressing the underlying cause directly. Understanding the nuances of G91.8 is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate management of patients with hydrocephalus.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to hydrocephalus.
  • Need for precise documentation of the etiology.
  • Differentiation from other types of hydrocephalus.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause.
  • Failure to specify if the hydrocephalus is acute or chronic.
  • Misclassification with other types of hydrocephalus.
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with headaches, cognitive decline, or gait disturbances due to hydrocephalus.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in documenting the type of hydrocephalus and any associated neurological deficits.

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing shunt placement or revision for hydrocephalus.

Billing Considerations

Document the indication for surgery and any complications that arise.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G91.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, G91
  • 8 should be used when the hydrocephalus does not fit into the specified categories of congenital or acquired hydrocephalus
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any underlying conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G91.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62230CPT Code

Insertion of ventricular shunt

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients diagnosed with G91.8 requiring shunt placement.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgeons must document the rationale for shunt placement.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydrocephalus, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource utilization. G91.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into the more common categories, improving the granularity of data collection.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydrocephalus, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource utilization. G91.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into the more common categories, improving the granularity of data collection.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydrocephalus, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource utilization. G91.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into the more common categories, improving the granularity of data collection.

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 causes of G91.8?

Common causes include congenital malformations, infections, tumors, and post-surgical complications that lead to abnormal CSF accumulation.

How can I differentiate G91.8 from other hydrocephalus codes?

G91.8 is used when the hydrocephalus does not fit into the categories of congenital or acquired hydrocephalus, requiring specific documentation of the underlying cause.