ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for cerebrospinal fluid fistula
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Fistula (cutaneous) › cerebrospinal (fluid)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding cerebrospinal fluid fistula
The ICD-10-CM code for cerebrospinal fluid fistula is G96.08 (Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak).
Within G96.0, choose G96.08 (Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: unspecified (G96.00), cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous (G96.01), spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous (G96.02) and other spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak (G96.09).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 091 (Other Disorders of Nervous System with MCC, relative weight 1.7046), DRG 092 (Other Disorders of Nervous System with CC, relative weight 1.0239), DRG 093 (Other Disorders of Nervous System without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.7783), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and DRG 793 (Full Term Neonate with Major Problems, relative weight 4.2195), in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about cerebrospinal fluid fistula ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for cerebrospinal fluid fistula?
- G96.08 — Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Is G96.08 billable?
- Yes. G96.08 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can G96.08 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict G96.08 as a principal diagnosis.
Is G96.08 a CC or MCC?
- G96.08 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.