Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Fetal Movement(O36.81X0, O36.8131)

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

Also known as:

Reduced Fetal MovementDiminished Fetal Activity

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased Fetal Movement

O36.81X0-O36.81X9Primary Range

Maternal care for decreased fetal movements

This range covers codes specific to decreased fetal movement, including trimester and fetus specificity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O36.81X0Maternal care for decreased fetal movements, unspecified trimester, fetus 1Use when decreased fetal movement is confirmed in an unspecified trimester for fetus 1.
  • Non-reactive NST
  • Biophysical profile score ≤6/10
  • Ultrasound showing oligohydramnios
O36.8131Maternal care for decreased fetal movements, third trimester, fetus 1Use when decreased fetal movement is confirmed in the third trimester for fetus 1.
  • Non-reactive NST
  • Biophysical profile score ≤6/10
  • Ultrasound showing oligohydramnios

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: ICD-10 code for decreased fetal movement

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Fetal Movement

The ICD-10 code for decreased fetal movement is O36.81X_, which varies by trimester and fetus number.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased fetal movement

Maternal care for decreased fetal movements, unspecified trimester, fetus 1
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed decreased fetal movements with supporting test results.

Applicable To

  • Decreased fetal movements in unspecified trimester

Excludes

  • Routine fetal monitoring (Z36.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Non-reactive NST
  • Biophysical profile score ≤6/10
  • Ultrasound showing oligohydramnios

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure trimester is truly unspecified before using this code.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the fetus and trimester when possible.

Ancillary Codes

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

Biophysical profile

76819
Use when a biophysical profile is performed to assess fetal well-being.

Fetal non-stress test

59025
Use when a non-stress test is performed to assess fetal well-being.

Differential Codes

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

Encounter for other specified antenatal screening

Z36.8
Use Z36.8 for routine screening without confirmed decreased fetal movement.

Maternal care for decreased fetal movements, second trimester, fetus 1

O36.8121
Use O36.8121 if the decreased fetal movement occurs in the second trimester.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Fetal Movement to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O36.81X0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect clinical management., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify which fetus is affected in multiple pregnancies., Use specific codes for each fetus.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Replace with O36.81X_ and include supporting test documentation.

Impact

Using unspecified trimester codes when the trimester is known can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the trimester and use the appropriate code.

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 Decreased Fetal Movement, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased Fetal Movement

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

Decreased fetal movement in third trimester

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Fetal position
  • NST results
  • Ultrasound findings

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: "Patient reports <X> fetal movements over <Y> hours, decreased from baseline of <Z>." **Objective**: - Gestational age: __ weeks + days - Fetal position: ___ - NST: Reactive/Non-reactive (specify criteria) - Ultrasound: AFI ___ cm, Doppler ___ **Assessment**: "Decreased fetal movements, <trimester>, fetus <#>." **Plan**: "Admit for <induction/biophysical monitoring> per ACS 1537 guidelines."

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Less baby movement.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 3 fetal movements over 4hrs in 3rd trimester (33w2d), down from usual 10/hr. NST non-reactive ×40min. Biophysical profile 4/10.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on fetal movements, gestational age, and test results, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Decreased Fetal Movement? Ask your questions below.

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more