Find information on obstructive hydrocephalus, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (G91.1, G91.0), CPT codes for shunt procedures, and healthcare guidance. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and medical coding for obstructive hydrocephalus. This resource offers support for healthcare professionals dealing with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow obstruction, ventriculomegaly, and increased intracranial pressure related to obstructive hydrocephalus. Understand the difference between communicating and non-communicating hydrocephalus and find relevant coding and documentation resources.
Also known as
Obstructive hydrocephalus
Blockage causing cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the brain.
Congenital hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus present at birth, sometimes obstructive.
Cerebral infarction with hydrocephalus
Stroke-related blockage leading to hydrocephalus.
Other specified hydrocephalus
Includes various obstructive hydrocephalus subtypes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the hydrocephalus obstructive?
Yes
Is it congenital?
No
Do NOT code as obstructive hydrocephalus. Consider other hydrocephalus codes (e.g., communicating).
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
CSF flow blockage causes brain ventricle enlargement. |
Brain ventricle enlargement without CSF flow obstruction. |
CSF pressure increase without ventricle enlargement. |
Coding hydrocephalus without specifying the cause (e.g., congenital, acquired) leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.
Miscoding obstructive hydrocephalus as a neural tube defect (NTD) can impact quality metrics and statistical reporting.
Lack of documentation confirming increased intracranial pressure may lead to coding denials and lost revenue.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of obstructive hydrocephalus. Clinical presentation includes complaints of headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and gait disturbances. Cognitive changes, including confusion and memory impairment, may also be present. On examination, papilledema may be observed. The patient's history may include relevant factors such as congenital abnormalities, prior intracranial hemorrhage, infection, or tumor. Neuroimaging, specifically a head CT scan or MRI brain, demonstrates ventricular dilation disproportionate to sulcal atrophy, consistent with a diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus. Differential diagnosis includes communicating hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and pseudotumor cerebri. Etiology of the obstruction is being investigated. Treatment options including cerebrospinal fluid shunting, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, and management of underlying causes are being considered. Patient's condition warrants close monitoring for neurological deterioration. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the obstruction, and the timeliness of intervention. ICD-10 code G91.1, Obstructive hydrocephalus, is documented for billing and coding purposes. Further evaluation and management will be documented as clinically indicated.