Know Area Where Encephalocele Occurred
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the neurosurgeon treated a newborn patient with an encephalocele. What is an encephalocele, and how do I choose an ICD-10-CM code for the condition? RCI Subscriber Answer: An encephalocele occurs when the meninges or the brain tissue protrude through a defect in the skull. It is a rare condition that is typically present at birth; however, it can also be acquired via trauma, tumors, or medical complications. There are symptoms of an encephalocele, such as developmental defects, that a neurosurgeon might not be able to gauge in a newborn patient. The most obvious and common symptom, however, is a sac-like bulge on the skull. When you choose a code for encephalocele, it helps to know which part of the brain is affected. Then you can choose among this group for the correct ICD-10-CM code: Chris Boucher, MS, CPC, Senior Development Editor, AAPC
