Presence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage device

This code indicates that a patient has an indwelling device designed to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This typically refers to a shunt system, such as a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt, or lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt, used to manage conditions like hydrocephalus. The presence of the device is the key factor, not its malfunction or complications.

Use this code when documenting the long-term presence of a CSF drainage device in a patient's medical record. It is appropriate for routine follow-up visits, medication management, or when the patient is admitted for an unrelated condition but the shunt is a relevant part of their medical history. This code signifies the patient's status as having a shunt.

• Do not use this code for acute insertion, removal, or revision of the device; those procedures have specific CPT codes.
• Always code any associated complications or malfunctions of the device (e.g., infection, obstruction) with additional, more specific ICD-9-CM codes.
• This code is for the presence of the device, not the underlying condition (e.g., hydrocephalus) which should also be coded.