2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q03Congenital hydrocephalus

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q00-Q07›Q03

ICD-10-CM Q03
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

Q03 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for congenital hydrocephalus, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q03.0, Q03.1, Q03.8, and Q03.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q03
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Congenital hydrocephalus
Short Description
Congenital hydrocephalus
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
Q00-Q07
Congenital malformations of the nervous system

Code Classification

ChapterQ00-Q99Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
SectionQ00-Q07Congenital malformations of the nervous system
CategoryQ03Congenital hydrocephalus
This CodeQ03Congenital hydrocephalus

Specific Coding for Congenital hydrocephalusOverview

Non-specific codes like Q03 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Q03.0 for Malformations of aqueduct of Sylvius

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

  • Use Q03.8 for Other congenital hydrocephalus

  • Use Q03.9 for Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Q03: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 17. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • hydrocephalus in newborn

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • 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)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 17 (Q00-QA1) Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities applies to 900 codes
  • inborn errors of metabolism (E70-E88)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 17 (Q00-QA1) Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities applies to 900 codes
  • Codes from this chapter are not for use on maternal records

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name Q03, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 2

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming Q03: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • G91 Hydrocephalus
    congenital hydrocephalus (Q03.-)
  • Q75 Other congenital malformations of skull and face bones
    hydrocephalus (Q03.-)

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Congenital Hydrocephalus

    hydrocephalus that is present at birth.

Patient EducationClinical

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.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About Q03Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for congenital hydrocephalus?

Q03 is the ICD-10-CM category for congenital hydrocephalus, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is Q03 (Congenital hydrocephalus) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for congenital hydrocephalus, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for congenital hydrocephalus need a more specific code from this category, such as Q03.0, Q03.1, and Q03.8.

Can Q03 be reported with a code from Q07.0?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on Q03 lists "Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II (Q07.0-)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).