Q03.1
BillableAtresia of foramina of Magendie and Luschka
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 182 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries
0.282V24HCC 72 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries
0.464ESRDHCC 72 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries
0.000RxHCCHCC 155 — Myelitis and Encephalomyelitis
0.000What This Code Means
A birth defect where the small openings in the brain that allow fluid to flow are blocked or absent, preventing normal cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
Coding Tips
- •This is a specific type of congenital hydrocephalus; do not use Q03.9 if Q03.1 is confirmed
- •Document whether this is associated with other CNS malformations for complete coding
Clinical Significance
Atresia of the foramina of Magendie and Luschka causes severe obstructive hydrocephalus by blocking cerebrospinal fluid outflow from the fourth ventricle. This condition typically presents in infancy with macrocephaly and requires urgent neurosurgical intervention.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of atresia (absence or closure) of foramina of Magendie and Luschka
- ✓Evidence of fourth ventricular obstruction and hydrocephalus
- ✓Neuroimaging confirming foramen atresia and ventricular dilation
- ✓Clinical presentation including macrocephaly or increased head circumference
- ✓Neurological examination findings
- ✓Documentation of surgical intervention needs or history
- ✓Assessment of developmental impact and prognosis
- ✓Ongoing care requirements and monitoring
Commonly Confused Codes
Q03.0 — Aqueduct of Sylvius malformation involves different CSF pathwayQ03.8 — Other congenital hydrocephalus has different anatomical basisG91.0 — Communicating hydrocephalus doesn't involve foramen obstructionQ04.6 — Congenital cerebral cysts are different structural abnormalitiesG91.2 — Normal pressure hydrocephalus is acquired condition in adults
Code Hierarchy
└Q03Congenital hydrocephalus└Q03.1Atresia of foramina of Magendie and Luschka
└Q03.1Atresia of foramina of Magendie and Luschka