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ICD-10 Coding for Ventriculomegaly(Q03.9, G91.1)

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

Also known as:

Enlarged VentriclesFetal Ventriculomegaly

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ventriculomegaly

Q03-Q04Primary Range

Congenital malformations of the brain

Includes congenital ventriculomegaly and related anomalies.

Other disorders of brain

Includes acquired conditions such as hydrocephalus with ventriculomegaly.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q03.9Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecifiedUse for congenital ventriculomegaly without specified cause.
  • Ultrasound or MRI showing lateral ventricular diameter ≥10mm
  • Documentation of congenital origin
G91.1Obstructive hydrocephalusUse for acquired obstructive hydrocephalus with ventriculomegaly.
  • Imaging evidence of obstruction, such as aqueductal stenosis

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for ventriculomegaly

Essential facts and insights about Ventriculomegaly

The ICD-10 code for congenital ventriculomegaly is Q03.9.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ventriculomegaly

Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ventricular measurement ≥10mm on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Confirmed congenital origin

Applicable To

  • Congenital ventriculomegaly

Excludes

  • Acquired hydrocephalus (G91.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound or MRI showing lateral ventricular diameter ≥10mm
  • Documentation of congenital origin

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acquired hydrocephalus codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies congenital origin to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage device

Z98.2
Use if a shunt is present.

Differential Codes

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

Obstructive hydrocephalus

G91.1
Use when ventriculomegaly is due to an acquired obstructive cause.

Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified

Q03.9
Use when ventriculomegaly is congenital.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ventriculomegaly to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q03.9.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical detail for treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: May affect reimbursement due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in imaging reports, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify congenital vs. acquired origin through documentation and imaging.

Impact

Misclassification can lead to audit discrepancies.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of origin and supporting imaging.

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

Documentation Templates for Ventriculomegaly

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

Fetal ventriculomegaly diagnosis

Specialty: Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Required Elements

  • Ventricular measurement
  • Laterality
  • Associated anomalies
  • Genetic testing results

Example Documentation

[Fetal Biometry]: Lateral ventricles: Right 12.5mm, Left 11.8mm (axial plane, calipers placed at atrium) [Associated Findings]: Choroid plexus dangling (Figure 3), intact CSP, normal corpus callosum [Genetic Workup]: CMA negative, TORCH PCR negative [Impression]: Isolated mild bilateral ventriculomegaly (ICD-10: Q03.9)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Enlarged ventricles noted
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral lateral ventricles measure 13.2mm (moderate ventriculomegaly) with dangling choroid plexus, no other CNS anomalies
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and excludes other anomalies, supporting accurate coding.

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

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