2025 ICD-10-CM code Q01.8
Encephalocele of other sites. This condition involves a protrusion of brain tissue and meninges through a defect in the skull, occurring in locations other than the frontal or occipital regions.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of encephalocele is generally established by the presence of the congenital defect and the potential for complications such as infection, neurological damage, or developmental delays. Surgical intervention is often medically necessary to protect the exposed brain tissue and improve the patient's prognosis.
Diagnosis and management of encephaloceles typically involves a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, pediatricians, geneticists, and other specialists as needed.Surgical repair is often necessary to correct the defect and protect the exposed brain tissue.Long-term follow-up care is essential to monitor for complications and provide necessary support.
In simple words: An encephalocele is a birth defect where part of the brain pushes out through a hole in the skull.This code (Q01.8) means the encephalocele is located somewhere other than the forehead or the back of the head.
Encephalocele of other sites is a congenital malformation characterized by a sac-like protrusion of brain tissue and its surrounding membranes (meninges) through an opening in the skull.This specific code indicates the encephalocele is located in a region other than the frontal (forehead) or occipital (back of the head) areas.These can occur in various locations and may be accompanied by other developmental abnormalities.
Example 1: A newborn infant is examined and found to have a sac-like protrusion on the side of their head. Imaging studies confirm the presence of brain tissue within the sac, diagnosing an encephalocele of the parietal region.Q01.8 would be used to code this condition., A fetus is diagnosed prenatally with an encephalocele located near the base of the skull, not involving the frontal or occipital bones.This would be coded as Q01.8., An infant undergoes surgical repair of an encephalocele located in the temporal region of the skull. The diagnosis code Q01.8 would be used in conjunction with the appropriate procedure code(s) to document the condition and its management.
Documentation should include detailed clinical findings describing the location, size, and contents of the encephalocele. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans are crucial for confirming the diagnosis and evaluating the extent of the malformation.Operative reports, if surgery is performed, should detail the procedure and any complications.
** Excludes1: Meckel-Gruber syndrome (Q61.9)Excludes2: inborn errors of metabolism (E70-E88)
- Specialties:Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Medical Genetics, Neuroradiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office