Thanks to the efforts of Hydrocephalus Association Medical Advisory Board member Michael A. Williams, MD, of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) now has its own code in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the ICD, has announced that a new code for Idiopathic NPH, 331.5, will be available for use on October 1, 2007. This new code will make the separation of data about NPH from that about other forms of hydrocephalus easier and more reliable.

 

    We owe Dr. Williams a debt of gratitude for figuring out how to make this happen, wading through the formal process and giving personal testimony. We also thank our other Medical Advisory Board members, and the allies who supported this effort with letters and faxes. Way to go, team!