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 CodesQ06.3

Q06.3

Billable

Other congenital cauda equina malformations

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q06.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other congenital cauda equina malformations.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital cauda equina malformations encompass a range of abnormalities affecting the terminal portion of the spinal cord and its associated nerve roots. These malformations can lead to significant neurological deficits and functional impairments. The cauda equina, which is a bundle of spinal nerves located below the end of the spinal cord, can be affected by various congenital conditions such as spina bifida, where the spinal column does not close completely, leading to protrusion of the spinal cord and nerves. Other related conditions include tethered cord syndrome, where the spinal cord is abnormally attached within the spinal column, and sacral agenesis, where there is an absence of the sacral vertebrae. These malformations can result in symptoms such as lower limb weakness, sensory deficits, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and orthopedic issues. Early diagnosis through imaging studies and clinical evaluation is crucial for management, which may include surgical intervention and multidisciplinary care to optimize functional outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for detailed imaging studies for accurate diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other spinal cord abnormalities
  • Potential for associated conditions requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological assessments
  • Failure to capture associated conditions or complications
  • Misclassification of severity or type of malformation
  • Lack of clarity in the relationship between symptoms and diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include detailed developmental assessments, neurological evaluations, and any interventions or therapies provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborns diagnosed with spina bifida during routine examinations or children presenting with bladder dysfunction and lower limb weakness.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires understanding the developmental implications of congenital malformations and their long-term management.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, genetic testing results, and any syndromic associations with congenital malformations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of genetic syndromes that may present with cauda equina malformations is essential for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q06.3 When
  • Official coding guidelines emphasize the importance of specificity in documenting congenital conditions, including the need for detailed descriptions of the malformation and its clinical implications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q06.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Laminectomy, lumbar

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical intervention for cauda equina malformations.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery, including neurological deficits and imaging findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgical documentation must detail the surgical approach and expected outcomes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of congenital cauda equina malformations and their associated complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of congenital cauda equina malformations and their associated complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of congenital cauda equina malformations and their associated complications.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC - Birth Defects

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC - Birth Defects

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms associated with congenital cauda equina malformations?

Common symptoms include lower limb weakness, sensory deficits, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and orthopedic issues. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing these symptoms effectively.