2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q03

Congenital hydrocephalus

ICD-10-CM Code:
Q03
ICD-10 Code for:
Congenital hydrocephalus
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Q03 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2025 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Congenital hydrocephalus

Non-specific codes like Q03 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for congenital hydrocephalus:

  • Use Q03.0 for Malformations of aqueduct of Sylvius - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q03.1 for Atresia of foramina of Magendie and Luschka - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q03.8 for Other congenital hydrocephalus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use Q03.9 for Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
    Q00-Q99
    • Congenital malformations of the nervous system
      Q00-Q07
      • Congenital hydrocephalus
        Q03

Clinical Information

  • Congenital Hydrocephalus

    hydrocephalus that is present at birth.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • hydrocephalus in newborn

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II Q07.0
  • acquired hydrocephalus G91
  • hydrocephalus due to congenital toxoplasmosis P37.1
  • hydrocephalus with spina bifida Q05.0 Q05.4

Patient Education


Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your brain.

Hydrocephalus can be congenital, or present at birth. Causes include genetic problems and problems with how the fetus develops. An unusually large head is the main sign of congenital hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus can also happen after birth. This is called acquired hydrocephalus. It can occur at any age. Causes can include head injuries, strokes, infections, tumors, and bleeding in the brain. Symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Blurry vision
  • Balance problems
  • Bladder control problems
  • Thinking and memory problems

Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain, causing problems with physical and mental development. If untreated, it is usually fatal. With treatment, many people lead normal lives with few limitations. Treatment usually involves surgery to insert a shunt. A shunt is a flexible but sturdy plastic tube. The shunt moves the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed. Medicine and rehabilitation therapy can also help.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.