Obstetric cases require codes from chapter 15, codes in the range O00-O9A, Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium. Chapter 15 codes have sequencing priority over codes from other chapters. Additional codes from other chapters may be used in conjunction with chapter 15 codes to further specify conditions. Should the provider document that the pregnancy is incidental to the encounter, then code Z33.1, Pregnant state, incidental, should be used in place of any chapter 15 codes. It is the provider’s responsibility to state that the condition being treated is not affecting the pregnancy.

2) Chapter 15 codes used only on the maternal record

Chapter 15 codes are to be used only on the maternal record, never on the record of the newborn.

3) Final character for trimester

The majority of codes in Chapter 15 have a final character indicating the trimester of pregnancy. The timeframes for the trimesters are indicated at the beginning of the chapter. If trimester is not a component of a code it is because the condition always occurs in a specific trimester, or the concept of trimester of pregnancy is not applicable. Certain codes have characters for only certain trimesters because the condition does not occur in all trimesters, but it may occur in more than just one.

Assignment of the final character for trimester should be based on the provider’s documentation of the trimester (or number of weeks) for the current admission/encounter. This applies to the assignment of trimester for pre-existing conditions as well as those that develop during or are due to the pregnancy. The provider’s documentation of the number of weeks may be used to assign the appropriate code identifying the trimester.

Whenever delivery occurs during the current admission, and there is an “in childbirth” option for the obstetric complication being coded, the “in childbirth” code should be assigned.

4) Selection of trimester for inpatient admissions that encompass more than one trimesters

In instances when a patient is admitted to a hospital for complications of pregnancy during one trimester and remains in the hospital into a subsequent trimester, the trimester character for the antepartum complication code should be assigned on the basis of the trimester when the complication developed, not the trimester of the discharge. If the condition developed prior to the current admission/encounter or represents a pre-existing condition, the trimester character for the trimester at the time of the admission/encounter should be assigned.

5) Unspecified trimester

Each category that includes codes for trimester has a code for “unspecified trimester.” The “unspecified trimester” code should rarely be used, such as when the documentation in the record is insufficient to determine the trimester and it is not possible to obtain clarification.

6) 7^th Character for Fetus Identification

Where applicable, a 7th character is to be assigned for certain categories (O31, O32, O33.3-O33.6, O35, O36, O40, O41, O60.1, O60.2, O64, and O69) to identify the fetus for which the complication code applies.

Assign 7th character “0”:

• For single gestations

• When the documentation in the record is insufficient to determine the fetus affected and it is not possible to obtain clarification.

• When it is not possible to clinically determine which fetus is affected.

b. Selection of OB Principal or First-listed Diagnosis

1) Routine outpatient prenatal visits

For routine outpatient prenatal visits when no complications are present, a code from category Z34, Encounter for supervision of normal pregnancy, should be used as the first-listed diagnosis. These codes should not be used in conjunction with chapter 15 codes.

2) Prenatal outpatient visits for high-risk patients

For routine prenatal outpatient visits for patients with high-risk pregnancies, a code from category O09, Supervision of high-risk pregnancy, should be used as the first-listed diagnosis. Secondary chapter 15 codes may be used in conjunction with these codes if appropriate.

3) Episodes when no delivery occurs

In episodes when no delivery occurs, the principal diagnosis should correspond to the principal complication of the pregnancy which necessitated the encounter. Should more than one complication exist, all of which are treated or monitored, any of the complications codes may be sequenced first.

4) When a delivery occurs

When a delivery occurs, the principal diagnosis should correspond to the main circumstances or complication of the delivery. In cases of cesarean delivery, the selection of the principal diagnosis should be the condition established after study that was responsible for the patient’s admission. If the patient was admitted with a condition that resulted in the performance of a cesarean procedure, that condition should be selected as the principal diagnosis. If the reason for the admission/encounter was unrelated to the condition resulting in the cesarean delivery, the condition related to the reason for the admission/encounter should be selected as the principal diagnosis.

5) Outcome of delivery

A code from category Z37, Outcome of delivery, should be included on every maternal record when a delivery has occurred. These codes are not to be used on subsequent records or on the newborn record.

c. Pre-existing conditions versus conditions due to the pregnancy

Certain categories in Chapter 15 distinguish between conditions of the mother that existed prior to pregnancy (pre-existing) and those that are a direct result of pregnancy. When assigning codes from Chapter 15, it is important to assess if a condition was pre-existing prior to pregnancy or developed during or due to the pregnancy in order to assign the correct code.

Categories that do not distinguish between pre-existing and pregnancy-related conditions may be used for either. It is acceptable to use codes specifically for the puerperium with codes complicating pregnancy and childbirth if a condition arises postpartum during the delivery encounter.

d. Pre-existing hypertension in pregnancy

Category O10, Pre-existing hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium, includes codes for hypertensive heart and hypertensive chronic kidney disease. When assigning one of the O10 codes that includes hypertensive heart disease or hypertensive chronic kidney disease, it is necessary to add a secondary code from the appropriate hypertension category to specify the type of heart failure or chronic kidney disease.

See Section I.C.9. Hypertension.

e. Fetal Conditions Affecting the Management of the Mother

1) Codes from categories O35 and O36

Codes from categories O35, Maternal care for known or suspected fetal abnormality and damage, and O36, Maternal care for other fetal problems, are assigned only when the fetal condition is actually responsible for modifying the management of the mother, i.e., by requiring diagnostic studies, additional observation, special care, or termination of pregnancy. The fact that the fetal condition exists does not justify assigning a code from this series to the mother’s record.

2) In utero surgery

In cases when surgery is performed on the fetus, a diagnosis code from category O35, Maternal care for known or suspected fetal abnormality and damage, should be assigned identifying the fetal condition. Assign the appropriate procedure code for the procedure performed.

No code from Chapter 16, the perinatal codes, should be used on the mother’s record to identify fetal conditions. Surgery performed in utero on a fetus is still to be coded as an obstetric encounter.

f. HIV Infection in Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium

During pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium, a patient admitted because of an HIV-related illness should receive a principal diagnosis from subcategory O98.7-, Human immunodeficiency [HIV] disease complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium, followed by the code(s) for the HIV-related illness(es).

Patients with asymptomatic HIV infection status admitted during pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium should receive codes of O98.7- and Z21, Asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection status.

g. Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

Diabetes mellitus is a significant complicating factor in pregnancy. Pregnant women who are diabetic should be assigned a code from category O24, Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, first, followed by the appropriate diabetes code(s) (E08-E13) from Chapter 4.

h. Long term use of insulin

Code Z79.4, Long-term (current) use of insulin, should also be assigned if the diabetes mellitus is being treated with insulin.

i. Gestational (pregnancy induced) diabetes

Gestational (pregnancy induced) diabetes can occur during the second and third trimester of pregnancy in women who were not diabetic prior to pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause complications in the pregnancy similar to those of pre-existing diabetes mellitus. It also puts the woman at greater risk of developing diabetes after the pregnancy. Codes for gestational diabetes are in subcategory O24.4, Gestational diabetes mellitus. No other code from category O24, Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, should be used with a code from O24.4

The codes under subcategory O24.4 include diet controlled and insulin controlled. If a patient with gestational diabetes is treated with both diet and insulin, only the code for insulin-controlled is required. Code Z79.4, Long-term (current) use of insulin, should not be assigned with codes from subcategory O24.4.

An abnormal glucose tolerance in pregnancy is assigned a code from subcategory O99.81, Abnormal glucose complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.

j. Sepsis and septic shock complicating abortion, pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

When assigning a chapter 15 code for sepsis complicating abortion, pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, a code for the specific type of infection should be assigned as an additional diagnosis. If severe sepsis is present, a code from subcategory R65.2, Severe sepsis, and code(s) for associated organ dysfunction(s) should also be assigned as additional diagnoses.

k. Puerperal sepsis

Code O85, Puerperal sepsis, should be assigned with a secondary code to identify the causal organism (e.g., for a bacterial infection, assign a code from category B95-B96, Bacterial infections in conditions classified elsewhere). A code from category A40, Streptococcal sepsis, or A41, Other sepsis, should not be used for puerperal sepsis. If applicable, use additional codes to identify severe sepsis (R65.2-) and any associated acute organ dysfunction.

l. Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

1) Alcohol use during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

Codes under subcategory O99.31, Alcohol use complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, should be assigned for any pregnancy case when a mother uses alcohol during the pregnancy or postpartum. A secondary code from category F10, Alcohol related disorders, should also be assigned to identify the manifestations of the alcohol use.

2) Tobacco use during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

Codes under subcategory O99.33, Smoking (tobacco) complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, should be assigned for any pregnancy case when a mother uses any type of tobacco product during the pregnancy or postpartum. A secondary code from category F17, Nicotine dependence, or code Z72.0, Tobacco use, should also be assigned to identify the type of nicotine dependence.

m. Poisoning, toxic effects, adverse effects and underdosing in a pregnant patient

A code from subcategory O9A.2, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, should be sequenced first, followed by the appropriate poisoning, toxic effect, adverse effect or underdosing code, and then the additional code(s) that specifies the condition caused by the poisoning, toxic effect, adverse effect or underdosing.

See Section I.C.19. Adverse effects, poisoning, underdosing and toxic effects.

n. Normal Delivery, Code O8O

1) Encounter for full term uncomplicated delivery

Code O80 should be assigned when a woman is admitted for a full-term normal delivery and delivers a single, healthy infant without any complications antepartum, during the delivery, or postpartum during the delivery episode. Code O80 is always a principal diagnosis. It is not to be used if any other code from chapter 15 is needed to describe a current complication of the antenatal, delivery, or perinatal period. Additional codes from other chapters may be used with code O80 if they are not related to or are in any way complicating the pregnancy.

2) Uncomplicated delivery with resolved antepartum complication

Code O80 may be used if the patient had a complication at some point during the pregnancy, but the complication is not present at the time of the admission for delivery.

3) Outcome of delivery for O80

Z37.0, Single live birth, is the only outcome of delivery code appropriate for use with O80.

o. The Peripartum and Postpartum Periods

1) Peripartum and Postpartum periods

The postpartum period begins immediately after delivery and continues for six weeks following delivery. The peripartum period is defined as the last month of pregnancy to five months postpartum.

2) Peripartum and postpartum complication

A postpartum complication is any complication occurring within the six-week period.

3) Pregnancy-related complications after 6 week period

Chapter 15 codes may also be used to describe pregnancy-related complications after the peripartum or postpartum period if the provider documents of that a condition is pregnancy related.

4) Admission for routine postpartum care following delivery outside hospital

When the mother delivers outside the hospital prior to admission and is admitted for routine postpartum care and no complications are noted, code Z39.0, Encounter for care and examination of mother immediately after delivery, should be assigned as the principal diagnosis.

5) Pregnancy associated cardiomyopathy

Pregnancy associated cardiomyopathy, code O90.3, is unique in that it may be diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy but may continue to progress months after delivery. For this reason, it is referred to as peripartum cardiomyopathy. Code O90.3 is only for use when the cardiomyopathy develops as a result of pregnancy in a woman who did not have pre-existing heart disease.

p. Code O94, Sequelae of complication of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium

1) Code O94

Code O94, Sequelae of complication of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, is for use in those cases when an initial complication of a pregnancy develops a sequelae requiring care or treatment at a future date.

2) After the initial postpartum period

This code may be used at any time after the initial postpartum period.

3) Sequencing of Code O94

This code, like all sequela codes, is to be sequenced following the code describing the sequelae of the complication.

q. Abortions

1) Abortion with Liveborn Fetus

When an attempted termination of pregnancy results in a liveborn fetus, assign a code from subcategory O60.1, Preterm labor with preterm delivery, and a code from category Z37, Outcome of Delivery. The procedure code for the attempted termination of pregnancy should also be assigned.

2) Retained Products of Conception following an abortion

Subsequent encounters for retained products of conception following a spontaneous abortion or elective termination of pregnancy are assigned the appropriate code from category O03, Spontaneous abortion, or codes O07.4, Failed attempted termination of pregnancy without complication and Z33.2, Encounter for elective termination of pregnancy. This advice is appropriate even when the patient was discharged previously with a discharge diagnosis of complete abortion.

r. Abuse in a pregnant patient

For suspected or confirmed cases of abuse of a pregnant patient, a code(s) from subcategories O9A.3, Physical abuse complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, O9A.4, Sexual abuse complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, and O9A.5, Psychological abuse complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, should be sequenced first, followed by the appropriate codes (if applicable) to identify any associated current injury due to physical abuse, sexual abuse, and the perpetrator of abuse.

See Section I.C.19.f. Adult and child abuse, neglect and other maltreatment.

Apply the General Coding Guidelines as found in Chapter 5 and the Procedural Guidelines as found in Chapter 7.

Guideline Differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM

The final character in most codes in this chapter of ICD-10-CM indicates the trimester of pregnancy, not the episode of care. Trimesters are defined at the beginning of Chapter 15. They are as follows:

• First trimester—less than 14 weeks 0 days

• Second trimester—14 weeks 0 days to less than 28 weeks 0 days

• Third trimester—28 weeks 0 days until delivery

Supervision of care for high-risk pregnancy has been moved to this chapter.

Guidelines added for preexisting conditions versus conditions due to the pregnancy have been added to ICD-10-CM.

Guidelines for the use of alcohol and tobacco in pregnancy have been added to ICD-10-CM.

Guidelines for adverse effects and underdosing in a pregnant patient have been added to ICD-10-CM.

A guideline for pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy has been added to ICD-10-CM.

Many of the guidelines for abortion have been removed from ICD-10-CM due to either episode-of-care issues or due to the fact that elective, legal, and therapeutic abortions are no longer classified here.

Major Differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM

Code extensions have been added to identify a specific fetus affected by obstetric conditions.

Elective, legal, or therapeutic abortions are not classified to abortion codes (code to Z33.2, Encounter for elective termination of pregnancy).

The reason for obstruction is incorporated into obstructed labor codes.

Documentation of the presence or absence of proteinuria is important.

Anatomy and Physiology

The organs of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and cervix (Figure 21-1). These organs aid in reproduction and supply hormones that aid in the development of secondary female sex characteristics such as body hair and breasts.

Figure 21-1 Normal female reproductive system.

The vulva is the external covering to the vagina. The labia surround the vaginal opening. The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the vaginal opening to the uterus. The vagina serves three purposes: It is the receptacle for sperm during intercourse, it serves as the birth canal for childbirth, and it rids the body of menstrual blood during menstruation.

The cervix is the neck of the uterus and serves as an outlet from the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ that serves as an incubator for the developing fetus. The wall of the uterus is composed of three layers. The inner layer, the endometrium, is where an egg grows if fertilized.

The ovaries produce female hormones and eggs. If the egg is fertilized and becomes a fetus, all the other female organs assist in development and expulsion of the fetus. When an egg becomes mature and is ready for fertilization, it travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The purpose of the fallopian tube is to deliver the mature egg to the uterus for fertilization. See Figure 21-2 for the anatomy of a normal uterine pregnancy.

To confirm a pregnancy, a woman’s blood or urine may be tested for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In the early months of pregnancy, secretion of hCG occurs at a high level.

Common Pregnancy Definitions

Antepartum: before delivery

Elderly obstetric patient: 35 years or older at date of delivery

Gravid: pregnant

Habitual aborter: a woman who miscarries at least three consecutive times

Lactation: process of milk production

Multigravida or multiparity: two or more pregnancies

Postpartum: after delivery

Postterm pregnancy: pregnancy longer than 40 weeks up to 42 weeks

Precipitate labor: rapid labor and delivery

Pregestational: condition present prior to pregnancy

Prenatal: before birth

Primigravida: first pregnancy

Prolonged pregnancy: beyond 42 weeks of pregnancy

Puerperium: time from delivery through first 6 weeks post partum

Stillbirth: dead at birth

Young obstetric patient: younger than 16 years at date of delivery

Conditions of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Puerperium

Complications of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium (630-679), Chapter 11 in the ICD-9-CM code book, is divided into the following categories:

CATEGORY	SECTION TITLE
630-633	Ectopic and Molar Pregnancy
634-639	Other Pregnancy With Abortive Outcome
640-649	Complications Mainly Related to Pregnancy
650-659	Normal Delivery, and Other Indications for Care in Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery
660-669	Complications Occurring Mainly in the Course of Labor and Delivery
670-677	Complications of the Puerperium
678-679	Other Maternal and Fetal Complications

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium (O00-O9A), Chapter 15 in the ICD-10-CM code book, is divided into the following categories:

CATEGORY	SECTION TITLE
O00-O08	Pregnancy with Abortive Outcome
O09	Supervision of High-Risk Pregnancy
O10-O16	Edema, Proteinuria, and Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium
O20-O29	Other Maternal Disorders Predominantly Related to Pregnancy
O30-O48	Maternal Care Related to the Fetus and Amniotic Cavity and Possible Delivery Problems
O60-O77	Complications of Labor and Delivery
O80-O82	Encounter for Delivery
O85-O92	Complications Predominantly Related to the Puerperium
O94-O9A	Other Obstetric Conditions, Not Elsewhere Classified

Ectopic and Molar Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies usually occur when the egg is implanted outside the cavity of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube (Figure 21-3). This type of pregnancy occurs in 1 of every 50 pregnancies. Pelvic infections may predispose a woman to having ectopic pregnancies. Molar pregnancies are rare and occur in 1 in 1000 pregnancies. In a molar pregnancy, the embryo does not form at all or is malformed. The early placenta develops into a mass of cysts within a hydatidiform mole (Figure 21-4). Occasionally, a molar pregnancy can turn into a rare, pregnancy-related form of cancer.

Figure 21-3 Diagram showing locations of ectopic (extrauterine) pregnancy.

Example

Patient presents to her physician’s office with a pregnancy in the 10th week. She comes in because she is experiencing dark brown vaginal bleeding. The physician identifies a molar pregnancy. The patient is admitted to the hospital for suction curettage to remove the molar tissue.

Codes:	631.8, Abnormal products of conception (O02.0)
	Z3A.10, 10 weeks gestation of pregnancy
	69.59, Other vacuum curettage of uterus (10A07Z6)

It is appropriate to use codes from 639 (O08.−) to describe any complications that may occur during an ectopic or molar pregnancy. According to the general rule for obstetric cases, additional codes from other chapters may be used in conjunction with Chapter 11 codes to further specify conditions.

Example

Patient is admitted to the hospital with a tubal pregnancy at 7 weeks without intrauterine pregnancy. After the tubal pregnancy is removed, the patient develops a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Codes:	633.10, Tubal pregnancy without intrauterine pregnancy (O00.1)
	639.8, Other specified complications following abortion or ectopic and molar pregnancy (O08.83)
	599.0, Urinary tract infection (N39.0)
	Less than 8 weeks gestation Z3A.01

Exercise 21-1

Assign codes to the following conditions.

1. Ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy	_______________
2. Vesicular mole	_______________
3. Ectopic pregnancy of the fallopian tube followed by oliguria	_______________

Coding of Pregnancy

A normal pregnancy (Figure 21-5) usually lasts anywhere from 37 to 40 weeks. These weeks are counted from the beginning of the last menstrual cycle. A normal pregnancy has three trimesters, counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. They are defined as follows: