Q07.02

Billable

Arnold-Chiari syndrome with hydrocephalus

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 extends into the spinal canal and excess fluid builds up in the brain (hydrocephalus), causing increased pressure and neurological symptoms.

Coding Tips

•Ensure documentation clearly indicates hydrocephalus is present without spina bifida to use this code rather than Q07.03
•Check for any shunt placement or surgical interventions documented separately

Clinical Significance

Arnold-Chiari syndrome with hydrocephalus combines brain herniation with increased intracranial pressure, creating a complex condition requiring urgent intervention and lifelong monitoring. This combination significantly increases the risk of neurological complications and requires specialized neurosurgical management including shunt placement.

Documentation Requirements

✓MRI confirmation of cerebellar tonsillar herniation
✓Evidence of hydrocephalus with increased intracranial pressure
✓Neurological symptoms and examination findings
✓Shunt placement history and function
✓Intracranial pressure monitoring results
✓Associated symptoms (headaches, visual changes, cognitive issues)
✓Neurosurgical intervention history and outcomes
✓Current management and monitoring protocols

Commonly Confused Codes

Q07.00 — Arnold-Chiari syndrome without spina bifida or hydrocephalus Q07.01 — Arnold-Chiari syndrome with spina bifida Q03.9 — congenital hydrocephalus unspecified G93.2 — benign intracranial hypertension G93.5 — compression of brain

Code Hierarchy

└Q07Other congenital malformations of nervous system └Q07.0Arnold-Chiari syndrome └Q07.02Arnold-Chiari syndrome with hydrocephalus

└Q07.02Arnold-Chiari syndrome with hydrocephalus