2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q05Spina bifida

ICD-10-CM CodesQ00-Q99Q00-Q07Q05

ICD-10-CM Q05
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Q05 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for spina bifida, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Q05.0, Q05.1, Q05.2, and Q05.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Q05
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Spina bifida
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
CategoryQ05Spina bifida
This CodeQ05Spina bifida

Specific Coding for Spina bifidaOverview

Non-specific codes like Q05 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use Q05.0 for Cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.1 for Thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.2 for Lumbar spina bifida with hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.3 for Sacral spina bifida with hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.4 for Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.5 for Cervical spina bifida without hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.6 for Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.7 for Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.8 for Sacral spina bifida without hydrocephalus

  • Use Q05.9 for Spina bifida, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Includes

  • hydromeningocele (spinal)
  • meningocele (spinal)
  • meningomyelocele
  • myelocele
  • myelomeningocele
  • rachischisis
  • spina bifida (aperta)(cystica)
  • syringomyelocele

Use Additional Code

  • code for any associated paraplegia paraparesis G82.2

Type 1 Excludes

  • Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II Q07.0
  • spina bifida occulta Q76.0

Patient EducationClinical

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect - a type of birth defect of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. It happens if the spinal column of the fetus doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy. This can damage the nerves and spinal cord. Screening tests during pregnancy can check for spina bifida.

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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Q05Overview

Is Q05 (Spina bifida) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for spina bifida, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for spina bifida need a more specific code from this category, such as Q05.0, Q05.1, and Q05.2.