Facebook tracking pixel
G91.1
ICD-10-CM
Obstructive Hydrocephalus

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

Non-communicating Hydrocephalus
Aqueductal Stenosis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain due to blocked flow.
  • Clinical Signs : Headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, balance problems, cognitive changes.
  • Common Settings : Neurosurgery clinics, neurology wards, emergency rooms, pediatric hospitals.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G91.1 Coding
G91.0-G91.9

Obstructive hydrocephalus

Blockage causing cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the brain.

Q03.0-Q03.9

Congenital hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus present at birth, sometimes obstructive.

I67.4

Cerebral infarction with hydrocephalus

Stroke-related blockage leading to hydrocephalus.

G91.8

Other specified hydrocephalus

Includes various obstructive hydrocephalus subtypes.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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).

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

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.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document specific cause of obstruction.
  • Detail neurological exam findings.
  • Imaging evidence (e.g., CT, MRI) showing ventricular dilation.
  • Note impact on cognitive and motor function.
  • Record treatment plan (e.g., shunt placement).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified cause

    Coding hydrocephalus without specifying the cause (e.g., congenital, acquired) leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Confusion with NTD

    Miscoding obstructive hydrocephalus as a neural tube defect (NTD) can impact quality metrics and statistical reporting.

  • Missing pressure documentation

    Lack of documentation confirming increased intracranial pressure may lead to coding denials and lost revenue.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document detailed neurological exam for accurate ICD-10-CM coding (G91.x)
  • Correlate imaging findings (CT/MRI) with clinical symptoms for CDI of hydrocephalus
  • Ensure proper HCPCS coding for shunt procedures (e.g., 61210, 62160) compliance
  • Timely follow-up documentation crucial for appropriate CPT coding & reimbursement
  • Regular CSF pressure monitoring documented for compliant medical necessity validation

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Ventricular dilation present on imaging (ICD-10 G91.0)
  • Rule out non-obstructive causes (e.g., brain atrophy)
  • Symptoms consistent with increased ICP (headache, vomiting)
  • Assess for signs of neurological impairment (e.g., gait changes)
  • Review CSF flow studies if available (confirm obstruction)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Obstructive Hydrocephalus Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment (e.g., 003, 004) affecting hospital payments. Proper documentation of etiology and severity is crucial for optimal reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate coding of Obstructive Hydrocephalus influences hospital quality reporting, impacting publicly reported performance measures and potential penalties.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise ICD-10-CM (e.g., G91.1) and CPT coding (e.g., shunt procedures) are essential for appropriate Obstructive Hydrocephalus claims processing and accurate reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Obstructive Hydrocephalus data accuracy influences hospital acquired condition reporting and value-based purchasing programs impacting overall hospital reimbursement.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code underlying cause, G91.1
  • Document obstruction location
  • Specify congenital vs acquired
  • Query MD if details unclear
  • Check payer guidelines for G91.1

Documentation Templates

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.
Obstructive Hydrocephalus - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation