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 CodesG96.11

G96.11

Billable

Dural tear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G96.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dural tear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A dural tear refers to a rupture or breach in the dura mater, the outermost layer of the meninges that protect the brain and spinal cord. This condition can occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or spontaneously in certain pathological conditions. Clinically, dural tears can lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, which may result in symptoms such as severe headaches, particularly postural headaches that worsen when upright and improve when lying down. Patients may also experience neurological deficits depending on the location and extent of the tear. Autonomic dysfunction may arise due to the disruption of normal CSF dynamics, potentially leading to hydrocephalus, characterized by an accumulation of CSF in the ventricles of the brain. The management of dural tears often involves conservative measures such as bed rest and hydration, but surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of significant CSF leakage or associated complications. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential for associated conditions like hydrocephalus
  • Need for precise documentation of the cause and extent of the tear
  • Differentiation from other types of headaches and neurological disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of the dural tear
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or complications
  • Misclassification of the type of headache experienced by the patient
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment approach taken

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with postural headaches, neurological deficits, or signs of CSF leakage.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the neurological assessment and any imaging studies performed.

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and any complications encountered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of dural tears following trauma or during other neurosurgical procedures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the surgical procedure and any associated complications is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G96.11 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause, symptoms, and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the treatment approach and any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G96.11 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Dural repair

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of surgical intervention for dural tears.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgeons must ensure accurate coding of the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dural tears, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dural tears, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dural tears, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its management.

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 a dural tear?

Common causes include trauma, surgical procedures, and spontaneous occurrences due to underlying conditions.

How is a dural tear diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI, and sometimes lumbar puncture to assess CSF dynamics.