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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG93.6

G93.6

Billable

Cerebral edema

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G93.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral edema.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral edema refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the intracellular or extracellular spaces of the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential brain damage. This condition can arise from various causes, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, and metabolic disturbances. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, altered consciousness, and neurological deficits. The pathophysiology involves disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to fluid leakage and cellular swelling. Cerebral edema can be classified into vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and osmotic types, each with distinct underlying mechanisms. Management often requires addressing the underlying cause, controlling intracranial pressure, and may involve medications such as corticosteroids or osmotic agents. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent irreversible brain damage and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes requiring thorough documentation
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other neurological conditions
  • Need for precise measurement of intracranial pressure
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on etiology

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of edema
  • Failure to specify the type of cerebral edema
  • Misclassification of symptoms as primary rather than secondary
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with headaches, altered mental status, or after head trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as any interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, vital signs, and interventions performed in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of head trauma, stroke, or severe headaches.

Billing Considerations

Document time of onset of symptoms and any pre-hospital care provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G93.6 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause of cerebral edema
  • Include any relevant comorbidities and specify the type of edema when applicable
  • Ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and reflects the clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G93.6 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

70450CPT Code

CT scan of the head

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate for cerebral edema in patients with neurological symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the scan and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the reason for the imaging is clearly linked to the diagnosis of cerebral edema.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cerebral edema, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cerebral edema, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cerebral edema, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes. This specificity aids in better patient management 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 causes of cerebral edema?

Common causes include traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, and metabolic disorders. Each cause may require different management strategies.

How is cerebral edema diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment, imaging studies such as CT or MRI, and monitoring of symptoms and intracranial pressure.

What treatments are available for cerebral edema?

Treatment may include medications to reduce swelling, surgical interventions to relieve pressure, and management of the underlying cause.