ICD-10 Coding for Failure to Descend(O62.9, O65.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Failure to Descend. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Failure to Descend
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| O62.9 | Unspecified abnormality of labor forces | Use when failure to descend occurs without a specified cause. |
|
| O65.0 | Obstructed labor due to cephalopelvic disproportion | Use when CPD is documented as the cause of failure to descend. |
|
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 failure to descend
Essential facts and insights about Failure to Descend
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for failure to descend
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Arrest of descent for ≥2 hours with adequate contractions
Applicable To
- Failure to descend without specified cause
Excludes
- Obstructed labor due to CPD (O65.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Arrest of descent for ≥2 hours with adequate contractions
- No documented underlying cause
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect use without adequate documentation of arrest duration
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the duration and adequacy of contractions.
O65.0 - Obstructed labor due to cephalopelvic disproportion
Use when CPD is documented as the cause of failure to descend.
Applicable To
- Failure to descend due to CPD
Excludes
- Unspecified failure to descend (O62.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Pelvimetry or imaging confirming CPD
- Documentation of fetal head size and pelvic measurements
Coding Notes
Ensure CPD is confirmed by clinical findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Failure to Descend to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O62.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of labor progress., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Risk of claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized labor progress notes, Ensure all clinical staff are trained on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure pelvimetry or imaging confirms CPD before coding.
Impact
Failure to provide imaging evidence for CPD coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory documentation checks for CPD cases.
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 Failure to Descend, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Failure to Descend
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Failure to Descend. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Failure to Descend with CPD
Specialty: ObstetricsRequired Elements
- Cervical dilation
- Station and position
- Contraction pattern
- Pelvimetry results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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