ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for spina bifida
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Spina bifida (aperta)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding spina bifida
The ICD-10-CM code for spina bifida is Q05.9 (Spina bifida, unspecified). The official index lists 16 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q05.9.
Within Q05, choose Q05.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus (Q05.0), thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus (Q05.1), lumbar spina bifida with hydrocephalus (Q05.2), sacral spina bifida with hydrocephalus (Q05.3), unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus (Q05.4), cervical spina bifida without hydrocephalus (Q05.5), thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus (Q05.6), lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus (Q05.7) and 1 more.
Use an additional code for any associated paraplegia (paraparesis) (G82.2-).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific spina bifida codes (official index)
- with hydrocephalus NEC Q05.4 — Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- cervical Q05.5 — Cervical spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.0 — Cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- dorsal Q05.6 — Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.1 — Thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- lumbar Q05.7 — Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.2 — Lumbar spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- lumbosacral Q05.7 — Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.2 — Lumbar spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- occulta Q76.0 — Spina bifida occulta
- sacral Q05.8 — Sacral spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.3 — Sacral spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- thoracic Q05.6 — Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.1 — Thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus
- thoracolumbar Q05.6 — Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus
- with hydrocephalus Q05.1 — Thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalus
Common questions about spina bifida ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for spina bifida?
- Q05.9 — Spina bifida, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Q05.4, Q05.5, Q05.0, Q05.6 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for cervical spina bifida?
- Q05.5 — Cervical spina bifida without hydrocephalus.
What is the ICD-10 code for dorsal spina bifida?
- Q05.6 — Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalus.
What is the ICD-10 code for lumbar spina bifida?
- Q05.7 — Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus.
What is the ICD-10 code for lumbosacral spina bifida?
- Q05.7 — Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalus.
What is the ICD-10 code for occulta spina bifida?
- Q76.0 — Spina bifida occulta.
What is the ICD-10 code for sacral spina bifida?
- Q05.8 — Sacral spina bifida without hydrocephalus.
Is Q05.9 billable?
- Yes. Q05.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Q05.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q05.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Q05.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. Q05.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.