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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG97.6

G97.6

Billable

Postprocedural hematoma and seroma of a nervous system organ or structure following a procedure

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G97.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postprocedural hematoma and seroma of a nervous system organ or structure following a procedure.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postprocedural hematoma and seroma of a nervous system organ or structure refers to the accumulation of blood (hematoma) or serous fluid (seroma) in the vicinity of a nervous system organ or structure following a surgical or invasive procedure. This condition can arise from various interventions, including neurosurgery, spinal surgery, or other procedures involving the central or peripheral nervous system. Symptoms may include localized swelling, pain, and neurological deficits depending on the location and extent of the hematoma or seroma. Pain syndromes can manifest as acute or chronic pain, potentially leading to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) if not managed appropriately. Autonomic disorders may also arise due to disruption of autonomic pathways, leading to symptoms such as abnormal sweating, blood pressure fluctuations, or gastrointestinal disturbances. In severe cases, the accumulation of fluid can lead to increased intracranial pressure, resulting in hydrocephalus, which necessitates prompt intervention. Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications and ensure optimal recovery.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between hematoma and seroma
  • Identifying the specific nervous system structure affected
  • Documenting the procedure that led to the condition
  • Understanding the potential complications and their management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the procedure performed
  • Failure to specify the type of fluid (hematoma vs. seroma)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding resolution or complications
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary diagnosis instead of a postprocedural complication

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, including the type of procedure, any intraoperative complications, and postoperative observations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Postoperative monitoring for hematoma formation after craniotomy or spinal surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of neurological assessments post-procedure to support coding.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations, including imaging studies and symptomatology related to the hematoma or seroma.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients presenting with neurological deficits following a recent procedure.

Billing Considerations

Document any autonomic dysfunction or pain syndromes that may arise as a result of the hematoma or seroma.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G97.6 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G97
  • 6 should be used when a hematoma or seroma is directly linked to a specific procedure
  • It is essential to document the procedure date and any relevant complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G97.6 When
  • Exclusions include conditions not directly related to a procedure

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62263CPT Code

Drainage of intracranial hematoma

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with a hematoma requiring intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for drainage.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgeons should document the extent of the hematoma and any neurological deficits.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of postprocedural complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G97.6 provides a clear distinction between types of complications, aiding in better patient management and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of postprocedural complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G97.6 provides a clear distinction between types of complications, aiding in better patient management and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. G97.6 provides a clear distinction between types of complications, aiding in better patient management and 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 a hematoma and a seroma?

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically due to bleeding, while a seroma is a collection of clear serous fluid that can occur postoperatively. Both can occur following surgical procedures and may require different management strategies.