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ICD-10 Coding for Plagiocephaly(Q67.3)

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

Also known as:

Flat Head SyndromeDeformational Plagiocephaly

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Plagiocephaly

Q67.0-Q67.9Primary Range

Congenital deformities of skull, face, and jaw

This range includes codes for various congenital deformities of the skull, including plagiocephaly.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for plagiocephaly

Essential facts and insights about Plagiocephaly

The ICD-10 code for plagiocephaly is Q67.3, used for deformational plagiocephaly confirmed by clinical examination and imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Asymmetric skull shape with no suture fusion on imaging

coding Criteria

  • Use Q67.3 for deformational plagiocephaly confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Deformational plagiocephaly

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Asymmetric skull shape
  • Anterior ear displacement
  • Forehead bossing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with craniosynostosis codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirms open sutures to differentiate from craniosynostosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Congenital torticollis

M43.6
Use when torticollis is present alongside plagiocephaly.

Developmental screening

Z00.129
Use when developmental screening is performed.

Differential Codes

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

Coronal craniosynostosis

Q75.02
Presence of fused coronal sutures on imaging.

Lambdoid craniosynostosis

Q75.04
Presence of fused lambdoid sutures on imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Plagiocephaly to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q67.3.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include imaging results., Document suture status explicitly.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data recording.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify suture status via imaging before coding.

Impact

Coding Q67.3 when craniosynostosis is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Require imaging confirmation of open sutures.

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 Plagiocephaly, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Plagiocephaly

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

Initial consultation for plagiocephaly

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Head shape description
  • Ear position
  • Suture status
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

6-month-old with right occipital flattening, ipsilateral anterior ear displacement, and forehead bossing. 3D CT confirms open lambdoid sutures.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Flat head noted. Recommend helmet.
Good Documentation Example
6-month-old with right occipital flattening, ipsilateral anterior ear displacement (8mm cranial vault asymmetry), and forehead bossing. 3D CT confirms open lambdoid sutures.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Plagiocephaly? Ask your questions below.

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