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ICD-10 Coding for COVID-19 in Pregnancy(O98.51-, U07.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for COVID-19 in Pregnancy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Coronavirus in PregnancySARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to COVID-19 in Pregnancy

O98.5-Primary Range

Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium

Primary range for coding COVID-19 complications in pregnancy.

COVID-19, virus identified

Used as a secondary code to specify confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O98.51-Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, first trimesterUse when COVID-19 is confirmed and complicates the pregnancy in the first trimester.
  • Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis
  • Link to pregnancy complications
U07.1COVID-19, virus identifiedUse as a secondary code to specify confirmed COVID-19.
  • Positive PCR or antigen test

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: How is COVID-19 in pregnancy coded?

Essential facts and insights about COVID-19 in Pregnancy

COVID-19 in pregnancy is primarily coded with O98.51- for complications, alongside U07.1 for confirmed infection.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for covid in pregnancy

Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, first trimester
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed COVID-19 with pregnancy complications

Applicable To

  • COVID-19 complicating pregnancy

Excludes

  • COVID-19 without pregnancy complications

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis
  • Link to pregnancy complications

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with U07.1

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links COVID-19 to pregnancy complications.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other viral pneumonia

J12.89
Use to specify pneumonia as a manifestation of COVID-19.

Differential Codes

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

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases

Z20.828
Use for exposure without confirmed infection.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting COVID-19 in Pregnancy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O98.51-.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure explicit documentation of COVID-19's impact on pregnancy

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always sequence O98.5- first in pregnancy-related COVID-19 cases.

Impact

Using U07.1 as primary in pregnancy cases

Mitigation Strategy

Implement dual coding validation checks.

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 COVID-19 in Pregnancy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for COVID-19 in Pregnancy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for COVID-19 in Pregnancy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

COVID-19 complicating pregnancy

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • COVID-19 test results
  • Pregnancy complications

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
34yo G2P1 at 28wks with cough and fever
Good Documentation Example
34yo G2P1 at 28+3wks with confirmed COVID-19 (PCR+) complicating pregnancy, presenting with hypoxic respiratory failure.
Explanation
The good example provides specific COVID-19 confirmation and links it to pregnancy complications.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for COVID-19 in Pregnancy? Ask your questions below.

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

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