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S06.4X9A
ICD-10-CM
Epidural Hematoma

Learn about Epidural Hematoma (EDH), also known as Extradural Hematoma. This guide covers clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices for diagnosing and managing EDH. Find information on symptoms, treatment, and ICD-10 codes related to Epidural Hematoma for accurate medical records and billing.

Also known as

Extradural Hematoma
EDH

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Bleeding between the skull and the dura mater, the brain's outer covering.
  • Clinical Signs : Headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, focal neurological deficits.
  • Common Settings : Trauma, skull fractures, often after a head injury.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S06.4X9A Coding
S06.5X-

Traumatic extradural hemorrhage

Skull fracture with extradural hemorrhage.

S06.0X-S06.9X

Intracranial injury

Covers various intracranial injuries, including some epidural hemorrhages.

I60-I69

Intracerebral hemorrhage

Includes hemorrhages within the brain, though not specifically extradural.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the epidural hematoma traumatic?

  • Yes

    Is there skull fracture?

  • No

    Is it due to a spontaneous bleed?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Bleeding between the skull and dura mater.
Bleeding between dura and arachnoid mater.
Bleeding within the brain tissue itself.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document trauma mechanism/cause of EDH.
  • Describe location and size of hematoma (imaging).
  • Note neurological exam findings (GCS score).
  • Document surgical intervention if performed.
  • Specify laterality (right, left, bilateral).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for epidural hematoma can impact reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • Traumatic vs. Atraumatic

    Distinguishing traumatic from atraumatic EDH is crucial for accurate coding (S06 vs. I62) and affects quality reporting.

  • Specificity of Location

    Coding should specify the location of the epidural hematoma (e.g., frontal, parietal) for optimal severity reflection.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Rapid diagnosis: Head CT scan for suspected EDH (ICD-10 S06.5)
  • Document neuro exam, GCS score for accurate severity coding (CPT 99281-99285)
  • Timely neurosurgery consult, document rationale for intervention (ICD-10 00N10ZZ)
  • Monitor ICP, maintain cerebral perfusion pressure, document for compliance
  • Accurate EDH documentation improves reimbursement, reduces compliance risks

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Trauma Hx, LOC? Document per ICD-10 S06
  • Temporal skull #? CT scan finding verification
  • Lucid interval followed by neuro decline?
  • Midline shift on imaging? Measure and document
  • Coagulopathy? PT/INR, PTT documented

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Epidural Hematoma (EDH) reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (S06.5X-) and precise documentation of severity and acuity.
  • EDH quality metrics impact: Time to neurosurgical intervention, complications (e.g., infection), and functional outcomes.
  • Optimize EDH billing with comprehensive documentation supporting medical necessity for imaging, surgery, and critical care.
  • Hospital reporting for EDH includes trauma registry data, length of stay, readmission rates, and mortality.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the key radiological findings for differentiating an epidural hematoma from a subdural hematoma on a CT scan?

A: Differentiating epidural hematomas (EDH) from subdural hematomas (SDH) on CT scan relies on several key features. Epidural hematomas classically appear as biconvex (lenticular), hyperdense collections of blood limited by cranial sutures, often described as having a "lens" shape. This is due to the adherence of the dura mater to the skull. Conversely, subdural hematomas typically present as crescent-shaped, hyperdense collections that can cross suture lines, conforming to the contours of the brain. While both can cause midline shift, epidural hematomas often result in more significant, localized displacement. Furthermore, evaluating the density of the hematoma can provide clues, though acute bleeds of both types can appear similarly hyperdense. Consider implementing a systematic approach to head CT interpretation focusing on shape, suture line involvement, and midline shift to confidently differentiate between EDH and SDH. Explore how advanced imaging techniques like MRI can provide further characterization in complex cases.

Q: How does the management of an acute epidural hematoma in a pediatric patient differ from that of an adult patient, and what specific considerations are crucial?

A: Managing an acute epidural hematoma (EDH) differs significantly between pediatric and adult populations due to variations in physiology and injury mechanisms. In children, the skull is more pliable, potentially delaying the presentation of symptoms despite significant bleeding. Additionally, growing skull fractures and the presence of open fontanelles can influence the clinical course. In contrast to adults where a midline shift of >5mm typically warrants surgical intervention, pediatric patients may require surgical evacuation with smaller shifts due to their lower intracranial compliance. Management should focus on rapid assessment of neurological status utilizing the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), prompt neurosurgical consultation for hematomas causing neurological compromise or significant midline shift, and meticulous monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP). Learn more about the specific challenges and nuances of pediatric traumatic brain injury management to optimize patient outcomes. Consider implementing standardized protocols for pediatric EDH management in your clinical setting.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Epidural Hematoma as ICD-10 S06.5
  • Document EDH laterality
  • Query physician for bleed source
  • Specify traumatic vs. nontraumatic
  • Include imaging findings for EDH

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of an epidural hematoma (EDH), also known as an extradural hematoma.  Clinical presentation includes [Insert specific presenting symptoms e.g., headache, nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, focal neurological deficits, seizures].  History includes [Insert relevant history e.g., trauma, fall, anticoagulant use, bleeding disorder].  Physical examination reveals [Insert pertinent positive and negative findings e.g., anisocoria, unilateral weakness, decreased level of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale score of [insert score]].  Differential diagnosis includes subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, concussion, and intracerebral hemorrhage.  To confirm the diagnosis of epidural hematoma, a non-contrast head CT scan was ordered and revealed [Insert CT findings e.g., a biconvex, lenticular-shaped hyperdense collection of blood in the extradural space, midline shift].  Neurosurgical consultation was obtained.  Given the patient's clinical presentation and radiographic findings, the diagnosis of epidural hematoma is consistent with the documented clinical picture. Treatment plan includes [Insert treatment plan e.g., close neurological monitoring, surgical intervention - craniotomy and hematoma evacuation, medical management of intracranial pressure, management of coagulopathy if present].  Patient condition is [Insert current patient condition e.g., stable, critical, improving]. Prognosis is [Insert prognosis e.g., guarded, favorable].  Follow-up head CT scan will be performed to evaluate treatment response.  ICD-10 code S06.5 (Traumatic extradural hemorrhage) is documented for billing purposes.  Continued monitoring for signs of neurological deterioration is warranted.