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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG96.811

G96.811

Billable

Intracranial hypotension, spontaneous

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G96.811 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of intracranial hypotension, spontaneous.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intracranial hypotension, spontaneous, is a condition characterized by a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure without an identifiable cause. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, primarily severe headaches that are often positional, worsening when the patient is upright and improving when lying down. Other symptoms may include neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and tinnitus. The pathophysiology involves a reduction in CSF volume, which can result from CSF leaks, often due to spontaneous dural tears. This condition can also lead to secondary complications such as autonomic dysfunction, which may manifest as orthostatic hypotension, and can contribute to the development of hydrocephalus due to compensatory mechanisms. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and sometimes lumbar puncture to measure CSF pressure. Treatment may include conservative measures like hydration and caffeine intake, or more invasive procedures such as epidural blood patches to seal leaks. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for differential diagnosis to rule out other causes of headaches
  • Potential for co-occurring conditions like hydrocephalus
  • Documentation requirements for spontaneous versus secondary intracranial hypotension

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to differentiate between spontaneous and secondary intracranial hypotension
  • Misuse of related codes leading to incorrect billing
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment efficacy

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe headaches, neck stiffness, and autonomic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the patient's positional headache characteristics and any imaging studies performed.

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pain assessments, treatment history, and response to interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of chronic headache syndromes related to intracranial hypotension.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of pain on daily activities and any multimodal treatment approaches.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G96.811 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the clinical presentation and ruling out other conditions
  • Include any relevant imaging or diagnostic tests performed to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G96.811 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm low CSF pressure in suspected cases of intracranial hypotension.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for the procedure, findings, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of the patient's neurological status pre- and post-procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intracranial hypotension, improving the ability to capture the nuances of spontaneous versus secondary cases, which 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 intracranial hypotension, improving the ability to capture the nuances of spontaneous versus secondary cases, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intracranial hypotension, improving the ability to capture the nuances of spontaneous versus secondary cases, which 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 symptoms of spontaneous intracranial hypotension?

Common symptoms include severe positional headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. Symptoms typically worsen when the patient is upright and improve when lying down.

How is spontaneous intracranial hypotension diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and lumbar puncture to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

What treatment options are available for spontaneous intracranial hypotension?

Treatment may include conservative measures such as hydration and caffeine intake, or more invasive procedures like epidural blood patches to seal CSF leaks.