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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

G96.01

Cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous

✓ Billable / specificCC — complication/comorbidity

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Rhinorrhea › cerebrospinal (fluid)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

The ICD-10-CM code for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is G96.01 (Cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on G96.01.

Within G96.0 (cerebrospinal fluid leak), G96.01 is specifically for cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous. Related codes cover unspecified (G96.00), spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous (G96.02), other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak (G96.08) 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.

More specific cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea codes (official index)

  • postoperative G96.08 — Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • specified NEC G96.08 — Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • spontaneous G96.01 — Cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous
  • traumatic G96.08 — Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak

Common questions about cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea?

G96.01 — Cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: G96.08, G96.08, G96.01, G96.08.

What is the ICD-10 code for postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea?

G96.08 — Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak.

What is the ICD-10 code for spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea?

G96.01 — Cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak, spontaneous.

What is the ICD-10 code for traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea?

G96.08 — Other cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Is G96.01 billable?

Yes. G96.01 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can G96.01 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict G96.01 as a principal diagnosis.

Is G96.01 a CC or MCC?

G96.01 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.