ICD10

ICD-10 Code Q05: Spina bifida

Q05 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Spina bifida. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Congenital malformations, deformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic disorders (Q00-QA0).

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Congenital malformations, deformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic disorders (Q00-QA0).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents spina bifida in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
  • This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter
17Congenital malformations, deformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic disorders (Q00-QA0)
block
Q00-Q07Congenital malformations of the nervous system
currentQ00-Q07

Official coding notes

Includes
  • hydromeningocele (spinal)
  • meningocele (spinal)
  • meningomyelocele
  • myelocele
  • myelomeningocele
  • rachischisis
  • spina bifida (aperta)(cystica)
  • syringomyelocele
Applicable to
  • code for any associated paraplegia (paraparesis) (G82.2-)
Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type II (Q07.0-)
  • spina bifida occulta (Q76.0)
Use additional code
  • code for any associated paraplegia (paraparesis) (G82.2-)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
Q05
Replacement codes
Q05.0 — Cervical spina bifida with hydrocephalusQ05.1 — Thoracic spina bifida with hydrocephalusQ05.2 — Lumbar spina bifida with hydrocephalusQ05.3 — Sacral spina bifida with hydrocephalusQ05.4 — Unspecified spina bifida with hydrocephalusQ05.5 — Cervical spina bifida without hydrocephalusQ05.6 — Thoracic spina bifida without hydrocephalusQ05.7 — Lumbar spina bifida without hydrocephalusQ05.8 — Sacral spina bifida without hydrocephalusQ05.9 — Spina bifida, unspecified

Common synonyms

Spina bifida

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeQ05
SystemICD10
Display nameSpina bifida
ChapterCongenital malformations, deformations, chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic disorders (Q00-QA0)
BlockCongenital malformations of the nervous system

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.