Spina bifida (Q05) ICD-10-CM
The Q05 code range covers spina bifida with 11 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 10 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- hydromeningocele (spinal)
- meningocele (spinal)
- meningomyelocele
- myelocele
- myelomeningocele
- rachischisis
- spina bifida (aperta)(cystica)
- syringomyelocele
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code for any associated paraplegia paraparesis G82.2
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.
Codes in the Q05 Range 11 codes · 10 billable
- Q05 Spina bifidaNon-billable
- Q05.0 Cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- Q05.1 Thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- Q05.2 Lumbar spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- Q05.3 Sacral spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- Q05.4 Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- Q05.5 Cervical spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- Q05.6 Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- Q05.7 Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- Q05.8 Sacral spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- Q05.9 Spina bifida, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the Q05 range.
Meningocele
A congenital or acquired protrusion of the meninges, unaccompanied by neural tissue, through a bony defect in the skull or vertebral column.
Meningomyelocele
Congenital, or rarely acquired, herniation of meningeal and spinal cord tissue through a bony defect in the vertebral column. The majority of these defects occur in the lumbosacral region. Clinical features include PARAPLEGIA, loss of sensation in the lower body, and incontinence. This condition may be associated with the ARNOLD-CHIARI MALFORMATION and HYDROCEPHALUS. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1992, Ch55, pp35-6)
About the Q05 Code Range
Spina bifida codes (ICD-10-CM range Q05) classify congenital malformations of the spinal canal, which may occur with or without associated hydrocephalus. These codes are essential for identifying the exact location and presence of complications in spina bifida cases.
The ICD-10 code for spina bifida encompasses different forms affecting the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spine, with subcodes designating whether hydrocephalus—a fluid buildup in the brain—is present (Q05.0–Q05.4) or absent (Q05.5–Q05.8). For example, “cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus” and “thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus” are both separately coded under Q05.0 and Q05.1, respectively, which helps distinguish location and severity. Common synonyms like "meningocele," "myelomeningocele," and "myelocele" align with specific codes, aiding coders who may encounter these terms. The unspecified spina bifida codes (Q05.4 and Q05.9) cover general or unclear presentations. These detailed distinctions ensure precise coding for diagnosis, treatment planning, and insurance purposes, such as using the ICD-10 code for lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus (Q05.7).
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Q05 range?
Of the 11 codes in this range, 10 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the Q05 range classify?
The range classifies spina bifida. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
