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ICD-10 Coding for Chorioamnionitis(O41.12X_)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chorioamnionitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Intra-amniotic infectionAmniotic fluid infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chorioamnionitis

O41.1Primary Range

Other disorders of amniotic fluid and membranes

This range includes codes for chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of the amniotic fluid and membranes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chorioamnionitis

Essential facts and insights about Chorioamnionitis

The ICD-10 code for chorioamnionitis is O41.12X_, indicating the trimester of pregnancy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of maternal fever and fetal tachycardia

documentation Criteria

  • Documented amniotic fluid analysis

Applicable To

  • Acute chorioamnionitis

Excludes

  • O75.2 - Pyrexia during labor (if chorioamnionitis is ruled out)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Maternal fever ≥38°C (oral) twice or ≥39°C once
  • Fetal tachycardia >160 bpm
  • Amniotic fluid glucose ≤14 mg/dL
  • WBC >30 cells/mm³

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect trimester coding
  • Failure to document supporting clinical findings

Coding Notes

  • Ensure trimester is specified to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Weeks of gestation

Z3A.__
Use to specify the gestational age in weeks.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Pyrexia during labor

O75.2
Use when fever is present but chorioamnionitis is ruled out.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chorioamnionitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O41.12X_.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture of the pregnancy., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include Z3A.__ code for gestational age.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure trimester is documented and coded correctly.

Impact

Failure to document trimester can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure trimester is clearly documented in the medical record.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Chorioamnionitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chorioamnionitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chorioamnionitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute chorioamnionitis in labor

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Maternal fever
  • Fetal heart rate
  • Amniotic fluid analysis
  • Trimester documentation

Example Documentation

Patient at 38 weeks with fever 38.8°C, fetal tachycardia 165 bpm, amniotic fluid positive for infection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fever, possible infection.
Good Documentation Example
Acute chorioamnionitis stage 1 with maternal fever 38.2°C x2, amniotic fluid WBC 45/mm³.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and confirms the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chorioamnionitis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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