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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ01.9

Q01.9

Billable

Encephalocele, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q01.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of encephalocele, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Encephalocele is a congenital malformation characterized by the protrusion of brain tissue through a defect in the skull. This condition can occur in various locations on the head, most commonly at the occipital region. The severity of encephalocele can vary significantly, with some cases resulting in severe neurological deficits, while others may have minimal impact on cognitive function. Encephaloceles are often associated with other congenital anomalies, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, such as anencephaly, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, and holoprosencephaly. Diagnosis typically occurs via prenatal imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI, and postnatally through physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to repair the skull defect and manage associated neurological issues. The prognosis for individuals with encephalocele depends on the size and location of the defect, as well as the presence of other associated anomalies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of encephalocele.
  • Need for precise documentation of associated anomalies.
  • Differentiation from other congenital malformations of the nervous system.
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions and follow-up care.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated congenital anomalies.
  • Misclassification of encephalocele severity.
  • Failure to document surgical interventions and outcomes.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including prenatal history, physical examination findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of newborns with encephalocele, including surgical repair and follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of developmental milestones and neurological assessments in follow-up documentation.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history of congenital anomalies, and counseling notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Genetic counseling for families with a history of encephalocele or related conditions.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of chromosomal abnormalities that may be associated with encephalocele.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q01.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring accurate documentation of associated conditions and the clinical significance of the encephalocele

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q01.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

61510CPT Code

Repair of encephalocele

Clinical Scenario

Used during surgical intervention for encephalocele repair.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgical documentation must include preoperative and postoperative assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of encephalocele and related conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of encephalocele and related conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Malformations
  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Malformations
  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between encephalocele and anencephaly?

Encephalocele involves the protrusion of brain tissue through a skull defect, while anencephaly is characterized by the absence of a major portion of the brain and skull. Encephalocele can vary in severity and may allow for some cognitive function, whereas anencephaly is typically fatal.