ICD-10 G96.81
Non-Billable HeaderIntracranial hypotension
About ICD-10-CM G96.81
ICD-10-CM code G96.81 represents Intracranial hypotension. This is a non-billable header code in the Nervous System chapter (block G96). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM G96.81 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.
Coding Notes
Code Also
- any associated diagnoses, such as:
- Brachial amyotrophy (G54.5)
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak from spine (G96.02)
- Cranial nerve disorders in diseases classified elsewhere (G53)
- Nerve root and compressions in diseases classified elsewhere (G55)
- Nonpyogenic thrombosis of intracranial venous system (I67.6)
- Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (I61.-)
- Nontraumatic subdural hemorrhage (I62.0-)
- Other and unspecified cord compression (G95.2-)
- Other secondary parkinsonism (G21.8)
- Reversible cerebrovascular vasoconstriction syndrome (I67.841)
- Spinal cord herniation (G95.89)
- Stroke (I63.-)
- Syringomyelia (G95.0)
Medicare LCD Coverage for G96.81
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list G96.81 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 G96.81.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but G96.81 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with G96.81
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.
Codes Adjacent To G96.81
Other codes in section G89-G99 (Other disorders of the nervous system).
ICD-10 G96.81, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code G96.81 billable? +
No, G96.81 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block G96 when submitting claims.
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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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