Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: What is the ICD 9 code for lumbar subdural hematoma?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: There is no specific diagnostic code for a spinal subdural hematoma. You may report a lumbar subdural hematoma with code 336.1 (Vascular myelopathies). However, the lumbar subdural hematoma may cause a cauda equine compression rather than a myelopathy, as the spinal cord typically does not extend beyond the L2 segment. A lumbar subdural hematoma causing cauda equina syndrome may be reported with 344.60 (Cauda equina syndrome without neurogenic bladder) if occurring without a neurogenic bladder or 344.61 (Cauda equina syndrome with neurogenic bladder) if accompanied by a neurogenic bladder.