ICD-10 Q03
Non-Billable HeaderCongenital hydrocephalus
About ICD-10-CM Q03
ICD-10-CM code Q03 represents Congenital hydrocephalus. This is a non-billable header code in the Congenital Malformations chapter (block Q03). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM Q03 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 Q03. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II (Q07.0-)
- acquired hydrocephalus (G91.-)
- hydrocephalus due to congenital toxoplasmosis (P37.1)
- hydrocephalus with spina bifida (Q05.0-Q05.4)
Includes
- hydrocephalus in newborn
Medicare LCD Coverage for Q03
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list Q03 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 Q03.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but Q03 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with Q03
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 Q03
Other codes in section Q00-Q07 (Congenital malformations of the nervous system).
ICD-10 Q03, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code Q03 billable? +
No, Q03 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block Q03 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for Q03? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with Q03): Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II (Q07.0-); acquired hydrocephalus (G91.-); hydrocephalus due to congenital toxoplasmosis (P37.1)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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