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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG96.819

G96.819

Billable

Other intracranial hypotension

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G96.819 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other intracranial hypotension.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intracranial hypotension is a condition characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, which can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms. Patients may experience severe headaches, often described as orthostatic headaches that worsen when standing and improve when lying down. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and tinnitus. The condition may arise from spontaneous CSF leaks, post-surgical complications, or trauma. Autonomic dysfunction can also occur, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and changes in blood pressure. In severe cases, intracranial hypotension can result in secondary hydrocephalus due to compensatory mechanisms attempting to maintain intracranial pressure. The diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to identify CSF leaks and assess for associated conditions. Treatment may include conservative measures like hydration and caffeine intake, or more invasive options such as epidural blood patches to seal leaks. Understanding the multifaceted nature of intracranial hypotension is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms that can overlap with other conditions
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for co-occurring conditions like hydrocephalus
  • Documentation of spontaneous vs. secondary causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and their impact
  • Failure to specify the cause of intracranial hypotension
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record
  • Misclassification of headache types

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe headaches, dizziness, or autonomic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the patient's history and any interventions performed.

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, post-operative assessments, and follow-up care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-surgical patients experiencing CSF leaks or hypotension.

Billing Considerations

Document the surgical procedure details and any complications that arise.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G96.819 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G96
  • 819 should be used when the specific cause of intracranial hypotension is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any related conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G96.819 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62273CPT Code

Injection, epidural blood patch

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of CSF leaks causing hypotension.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any pre-procedure assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgeons should ensure clear documentation of the patient's history and the procedure's necessity.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like intracranial hypotension, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. G96.819 provides a broader category for cases that do not fit neatly into other classifications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like intracranial hypotension, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. G96.819 provides a broader category for cases that do not fit neatly into other classifications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 intracranial hypotension?

Common symptoms include severe headaches, particularly when upright, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and autonomic symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations.

How is intracranial hypotension diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to identify CSF leaks and assess for associated conditions.

What treatments are available for intracranial hypotension?

Treatment options range from conservative measures such as hydration and caffeine to more invasive procedures like epidural blood patches.