ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for foramen magnum hernia
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hernia, hernial (acquired) (recurrent) › foramen magnum”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding foramen magnum hernia
The ICD-10-CM code for foramen magnum hernia is G93.5 (Compression of brain). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on G93.5.
Within G93 (other disorders of brain), G93.5 is specifically for compression of brain. Related codes cover cerebral cysts (G93.0), Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified (G93.1), benign intracranial hypertension (G93.2), Postviral and related fatigue syndromes (G93.3), other and unspecified encephalopathy (G93.4), cerebral edema (G93.6), Reye's syndrome (G93.7), other specified disorders of brain (G93.8) and 1 more.
Don't report G93.5 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: traumatic compression of brain (S06.A-).
As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
More specific foramen magnum hernia codes (official index)
- congenital Q01.8 — Encephalocele of other sites
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for G93.5)
- traumatic compression of brain (S06.A-)
Common questions about foramen magnum hernia ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for foramen magnum hernia?
- G93.5 — Compression of brain. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Q01.8.
What is the ICD-10 code for congenital foramen magnum hernia?
- Q01.8 — Encephalocele of other sites.
Is G93.5 billable?
- Yes. G93.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can G93.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict G93.5 as a principal diagnosis.
Is G93.5 a CC or MCC?
- G93.5 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.