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ICD-10 Coding for Dehydration in Pregnancy(O26.8, E86.0, O21.0)

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

Also known as:

Pregnancy-related dehydrationMaternal dehydration

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dehydration in Pregnancy

O26.8Primary Range

Other specified pregnancy-related conditions

Primary range for dehydration directly linked to pregnancy physiology.

Dehydration

Used as an ancillary code to specify dehydration severity.

Hyperemesis gravidarum

Used when dehydration is due to hyperemesis gravidarum.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O26.8Other specified pregnancy-related conditionsUse when dehydration is directly linked to pregnancy physiology.
  • Urine specific gravity >1.025
  • BUN/Cr ratio >20:1
  • Serum osmolality >295 mOsm/kg
E86.0DehydrationUse as a secondary code to specify dehydration severity.
  • Documented fluid/electrolyte imbalance
  • Orthostatic BP changes
O21.0Hyperemesis gravidarumUse when dehydration is due to hyperemesis gravidarum.
  • ≥3 vomiting episodes/day
  • Weight loss ≥5% pre-pregnancy weight

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 dehydration in pregnancy

Essential facts and insights about Dehydration in Pregnancy

The ICD-10 code for dehydration complicating pregnancy is O26.8, with E86.0 used as a secondary code to specify dehydration severity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dehydration in pregnancy

Other specified pregnancy-related conditions
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Dehydration symptoms linked to pregnancy.

Applicable To

  • Dehydration complicating pregnancy

Excludes

  • Hyperemesis gravidarum (O21.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine specific gravity >1.025
  • BUN/Cr ratio >20:1
  • Serum osmolality >295 mOsm/kg

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure trimester is specified with a 5th digit.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation links dehydration to pregnancy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use to specify severity of dehydration.

Differential Codes

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

Hyperemesis gravidarum

O21.0
Use when dehydration is secondary to hyperemesis gravidarum.

Other specified pregnancy-related conditions

O26.8
Use when dehydration is not due to hyperemesis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dehydration in Pregnancy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O26.8.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include the 5th digit for trimester., Review documentation for completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Potential audit issues., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the correct 5th digit is used to specify trimester.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor clinical documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the link between dehydration and pregnancy.

Impact

Failure to specify trimester can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for documentation review.

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 Dehydration in Pregnancy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Dehydration in Pregnancy

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

Dehydration in third trimester due to hyperemesis

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Symptoms and severity
  • Failed oral rehydration attempts
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

34-week gravida with severe dehydration (serum Na 150, urine output <30 mL/hr) secondary to hyperemesis unresponsive to oral rehydration.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dehydration noted.
Good Documentation Example
Dehydration (urine SG 1.035, serum Na 148) complicating twin pregnancy at 28 weeks, requiring IV fluids due to persistent vomiting (6x/day).
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and links dehydration to pregnancy.

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

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