What is the ICD-10 code for communicating hydrocephalus?

The ICD-10 code for communicating hydrocephalus is G91.0, used when CSF absorption failure occurs without obstruction.

How is normal pressure hydrocephalus coded in ICD-10?

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is coded as G91.2, requiring documentation of the clinical triad and imaging findings.

ICD-10 Coding for Hydrocephalus(G91.0, G91.1, G91.2)

Save

Comprehensive guide to ICD-10 coding for hydrocephalus, including communicating, obstructive, and normal pressure types. Learn documentation requirements and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Water on the brainVentriculomegaly

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hydrocephalus

G00-G99Primary Range

Diseases of the nervous system

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
G91.0	Communicating hydrocephalus	Use when hydrocephalus is due to CSF absorption failure without obstruction.	Imaging showing no obstruction CSF flows freely through ventricles
G91.1	Obstructive hydrocephalus	Use when there is a blockage in the ventricular system causing hydrocephalus.	MRI/CT showing obstruction Blockage at specific site
G91.2	Normal pressure hydrocephalus	Use when the clinical triad and imaging findings are present.	Triad of symptoms: gait disturbance dementia urinary incontinence Evan’s index ≥0.3 on imaging
G91.3	Post-traumatic hydrocephalus	Use when hydrocephalus develops after a traumatic brain injury.	History of trauma Ventricular enlargement on CT
G91.9	Hydrocephalus, unspecified	Use only when the type of hydrocephalus cannot be determined.	Lack of specific type identification

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Communicating hydrocephalus

G91.0Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Obstructive hydrocephalusG91.1

Communicating hydrocephalusG91.0

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Hydrocephalus.

Failing to document imaging findings

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation

Always include imaging results in documentation., Use structured templates.

Using G91.9 when specific type is known

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation specifies the type of hydrocephalus.

Specificity of hydrocephalus type

Impact

Audits may focus on whether the type of hydrocephalus is specified.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation includes specific type and supporting evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with G91.0.

Primary Code

G91.0

Communicating hydrocephalus

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes8

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Hydrocephalus(G91.0, G91.1, G91.2)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for communicating hydrocephalus?

How is normal pressure hydrocephalus coded in ICD-10?

Related condition guides