ICD-10 G96.0
Non-Billable HeaderCerebrospinal fluid leak
About ICD-10-CM G96.0
ICD-10-CM code G96.0 represents Cerebrospinal fluid leak. This is a non-billable header code in the Nervous System chapter (block G96). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM G96.0 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with G96.0. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- cerebrospinal fluid leak from spinal puncture (G97.0)
Coding Notes
Code Also
- if applicable:
- intracranial hypotension (G96.81-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for G96.0
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list G96.0 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing G96.0.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but G96.0 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with G96.0
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Convert G96.0 to ICD-9-CM
Per CMS General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
| ICD-10 | ICD-9 | Mapping Flags |
|---|---|---|
| G96.0 | 34981 | 10000 |
| G96.0 | 38861 | 10000 |
Flags format (5 digits): Approximate · No Map · Combination · Scenario · Choice List. Source: CMS 2017 GEMs (final version).
Codes Adjacent To G96.0
Other codes in section G89-G99 (Other disorders of the nervous system).
ICD-10 G96.0, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code G96.0 billable? +
No, G96.0 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block G96 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for G96.0? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with G96.0): cerebrospinal fluid leak from spinal puncture (G97.0)
What ICD-9 codes does G96.0 map to? +
Per CMS GEMs, G96.0 maps to ICD-9 codes: 34981, 38861. Useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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