AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2007 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 AND 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Effective October 1, 2007, a new code 331.5, Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH), has been created to separately identify and distinguish INPH from secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Currently, secondary NPH is assigned to code 331.3, Communicating hydrocephalus. In the Tabular list, the narrative under code 331.3 has been revised to include secondary NPH. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, or cavities, which occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked. The buildup of CSF leads to ventriculomegaly, enlargement of the...
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Article Overview
This article covers a diagnosis coding update related to normal pressure hydrocephalus, including the creation of a new ICD-9-CM code and revisions to related tabular entries. It is relevant to coders, clinical documentation staff, and revenue cycle professionals who work with neurologic and neurosurgical diagnoses. The article also provides broad clinical context, diagnostic evaluation methods, and the type of treatment commonly associated with this condition, without replacing the full coding guidance in the premium content.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate identification of idiopathic versus secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus affects diagnosis coding, documentation consistency, and proper placement within the ICD-9-CM classification. The update also clarifies how related hydrocephalus terminology is organized in the tabular list.
Article Sections
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Coding update and classification changes
Introduces the diagnosis coding update and describes how the relevant hydrocephalus categories were revised in the classification system.
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Clinical overview
Summarizes the general condition, broad causes, and common symptoms associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus and its idiopathic form.
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Diagnosis and treatment overview
Describes typical diagnostic evaluations and the general approach to surgical management for this condition.
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Tabular list revisions
Presents the related ICD-9-CM tabular list entries and the surrounding cross-reference changes for hydrocephalus categories.
What You Will Learn
- How this diagnosis topic is differentiated in the ICD-9-CM classification
- What broad clinical features are associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Which general diagnostic tests are commonly discussed for evaluation
- What overall treatment approach is described in the article
- How the related tabular list entries were revised
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Revenue cycle staff
- Neurology and neurosurgery practices
Codes Discussed
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