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ICD-10 Coding for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension(G93.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Pseudotumor CerebriBenign Intracranial Hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

G93.2Primary Range

Benign intracranial hypertension

This is the primary code for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, used when the condition is confirmed as idiopathic.

Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways

Includes codes for papilledema, which is often associated with IIH.

Paralytic strabismus

Includes sixth nerve palsy, a common complication of IIH.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for idiopathic intracranial hypertension is G93.2.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Benign intracranial hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed raised intracranial pressure with normal imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of secondary causes in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • Pseudotumor cerebri

Excludes

  • Intracranial hypertension due to other causes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Lumbar puncture showing opening pressure ≥250 mmH₂O
  • Normal neuroimaging excluding mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis
  • Normal CSF composition

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding secondary intracranial hypertension as idiopathic

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the idiopathic nature of the condition.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Papilledema

H47.11
Use when papilledema is present as a result of IIH.

Sixth nerve palsy

H49.2
Use when sixth nerve palsy is present as a complication of IIH.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Cerebral aneurysm

I67.1
Use when imaging confirms an aneurysm as the cause of symptoms.

CSF leak

G96.1
Use when there is evidence of CSF leakage causing symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G93.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific diagnostic criteria in documentation, Include detailed clinical findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all secondary causes are ruled out and documentation supports idiopathic diagnosis.

Impact

Claims may be audited if documentation does not support the idiopathic nature of the condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnostic criteria are documented and secondary causes are ruled out.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diagnosis of IIH in a patient with papilledema

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Lumbar puncture results
  • Neuroimaging findings
  • Ophthalmologic examination

Example Documentation

28F with BMI 42 reports 3 months of daily pulsatile tinnitus, transient visual obscurations. Exam: Bilateral grade 4 papilledema, left 6th nerve palsy. Studies: MRI/MRV negative for structural lesions/venous thrombosis. LP opening pressure 320 mmH₂O. Assessment: G93.2 (IIH) with H47.11 (papilledema), H49.21 (left 6th nerve palsy). Plan: Acetazolamide 500mg BID.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Headache with high CSF pressure
Good Documentation Example
LP opening pressure 280 mmH₂O; MRI shows empty sella, no venous stenosis
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic criteria and imaging findings supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension? Ask your questions below.

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