2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q05Spina bifida

ICD-10-CM Codes›Q00-Q99›Q00-Q07›Q05

ICD-10-CM Q05
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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
Short Description
Spina bifida
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
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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Q05: 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.

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

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-)
  • spina bifida occulta (Q76.0)

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)

Use Additional Code

Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.

  • code for any associated paraplegia (paraparesis) (G82.2-)

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 Q05, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 3

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming Q05: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • G91 Hydrocephalus
    spina bifida with hydrocephalus (Q05.-)
  • Q76.0 Spina bifida occulta
    meningocele (spinal) (Q05.-)
  • Q76.0 Spina bifida occulta
    spina bifida (aperta) (cystica) (Q05.-)

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Spinal Dysraphism

    congenital defects of closure of one or more vertebral arches, which may be associated with malformations of the spinal cord, nerve roots, congenital fibrous bands, lipomas, and congenital cysts. these malformations range from mild (e.g., spina bifida occulta) to severe, including rachischisis where there is complete failure of neural tube and spinal cord fusion, resulting in exposure of the spinal cord at the surface. spinal dysraphism includes all forms of spina bifida. the open form is called spina bifida cystica and the closed form is spina bifida occulta. (from joynt, clinical neurology, 1992, ch55, p34)

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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About Q05Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for spina bifida?

Q05 is the ICD-10-CM category for spina bifida, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.

Can Q05 be reported with a code from Q07.0?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on Q05 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).

Does Q05 need an additional code?

When the condition applies, yes. The Use Additional Code note reads: code for any associated paraplegia (paraparesis) (G82.2-). The additional code is reported after Q05.