Q01.1

Billable

Nasofrontal encephalocele

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 182 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries

0.282

V24HCC 72 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries

0.464

ESRDHCC 72 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries

0.000

RxHCCHCC 155 — Myelitis and Encephalomyelitis

0.000

What This Code Means

A birth defect where brain tissue protrudes through an opening between the nose and forehead.

Coding Tips

•This type may present as a mass in the nasal or frontal area; document clinical presentation
•Verify surgical repair status if applicable

Clinical Significance

Nasofrontal encephalocele involves brain tissue protruding through defects at the junction of the nose and forehead, often requiring complex reconstructive surgery. This diagnosis indicates significant functional and cosmetic concerns with variable neurological outcomes depending on brain tissue involvement.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation of encephalocele at nasofrontal junction
✓Precise anatomical location and extent described
✓Associated nasal and facial anomalies documented
✓Neuroimaging showing brain tissue content and CSF involvement
✓Airway assessment and breathing difficulties
✓Ophthalmologic evaluation for visual field defects
✓Surgical planning and multidisciplinary team involvement
✓Developmental and cognitive assessments

Commonly Confused Codes

Q01.0 — Frontal encephalocele, frontal only vs nasofrontal Q01.2 — Occipital encephalocele, back vs front of head Q30.2 — Fissured, notched and cleft nose, nasal anomaly without brain involvement Q01.9 — Encephalocele unspecified, when specific location documented

Code Hierarchy

└Q01Encephalocele └Q01.1Nasofrontal encephalocele

└Q01.1Nasofrontal encephalocele