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 CodesQ05.4

Q05.4

Billable

Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q05.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus is a congenital malformation of the nervous system characterized by the incomplete closure of the neural tube during embryonic development. This condition results in varying degrees of spinal cord and vertebral column defects, leading to neurological impairment. Hydrocephalus, which is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, often accompanies spina bifida due to the disruption of normal CSF flow. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, ranging from mild physical disabilities to severe neurological deficits. Patients may present with motor and sensory deficits, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and cognitive impairments. Early diagnosis through prenatal imaging and postnatal assessment is crucial for management, which may include surgical interventions to repair the defect and manage hydrocephalus. Ongoing multidisciplinary care is essential for optimizing developmental outcomes and addressing associated complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of associated conditions
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions and follow-up care
  • Differentiation from other types of spina bifida and related conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the severity of the condition
  • Failure to document associated conditions like hydrocephalus
  • Incorrect coding of surgical procedures related to spina bifida
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical narrative regarding the patient's status

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of developmental milestones, neurological assessments, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of spina bifida in infants, including surgical repair and ongoing therapy.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the child's age and developmental stage when coding and documenting care.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history of congenital malformations, and any syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Understanding the genetic basis of congenital malformations and their implications for family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q05.4 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's severity and associated complications
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture related conditions such as hydrocephalus

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q05.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Insertion of a ventricular shunt

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of hydrocephalus management.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for shunt placement and pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgery documentation must include details of the procedure and post-operative care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like spina bifida with hydrocephalus. This specificity 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 congenital malformations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like spina bifida with hydrocephalus. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like spina bifida with hydrocephalus. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC - Spina Bifida
  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Coding for Congenital Conditions

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC - Spina Bifida
  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Coding for Congenital Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between spina bifida and hydrocephalus?

Spina bifida is a defect in the closure of the neural tube, leading to spinal cord and vertebral column abnormalities. Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can occur as a complication of spina bifida. Both conditions require careful management and documentation.