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ICD-10 Coding for Failure to Progress in Labor(O62.9, O62.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Failure to Progress in Labor. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

FTPLabor ArrestDystocia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Failure to Progress in Labor

O62-O63Primary Range

Abnormalities of forces of labor

This range covers various conditions related to abnormalities in labor progression, including uterine inertia and prolonged labor.

Obstructed labor due to malposition and disproportion

This range includes conditions like cephalopelvic disproportion and malposition, which can cause failure to progress.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O62.9Abnormalities of forces of labour, unspecifiedUse when failure to progress is documented without a specific underlying cause.
  • No documented underlying cause for labor arrest
O62.1Secondary uterine inertiaUse when contractions weaken after active labor is established.
  • Documented inadequate uterine contractions confirmed by IUPC

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 progress in labor

Essential facts and insights about Failure to Progress in Labor

The ICD-10 code for failure to progress in labor without a specified cause is O62.9. Use specific codes like O62.1 or O65.5 if a cause is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for failure to progress in labor

Abnormalities of forces of labour, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No specific cause for labor arrest is documented.

Applicable To

  • Failure to progress without specified cause

Excludes

  • Cephalopelvic disproportion (O65.5)
  • Malposition (O64.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No documented underlying cause for labor arrest

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect coding if underlying cause is documented but not coded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure no underlying cause is documented before using O62.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long labor, unspecified

O63.9
Use when prolonged labor is documented alongside failure to progress.

Differential Codes

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

Obstructed labor due to cephalopelvic disproportion

O65.5
Use when cephalopelvic disproportion is confirmed.

Primary uterine inertia

O62.0
Use when poor contractions are present from labor onset.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Failure to Progress in Labor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O62.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for labor documentation, Educate providers on specific documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment can affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for specific causes and use appropriate codes.

Impact

Using O62.9 without verifying the absence of a documented cause.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits of labor and delivery documentation.

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 Progress in Labor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Failure to Progress in Labor

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

Failure to Progress with Cesarean Section

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Contraction frequency and intensity
  • Cervical dilation progress
  • Interventions attempted

Example Documentation

Patient underwent cesarean delivery for failure to progress secondary to secondary uterine inertia (O62.1). Despite oxytocin augmentation to 30 mU/min ×6 hours, cervical dilation remained at 7cm with inadequate contraction strength (150 MVU via IUPC).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Failure to progress, section done.
Good Documentation Example
Failure to progress secondary to arrest of descent at +2 station for 3 hours despite oxytocin augmentation (max 20 mU/min), adequate contractions (q2-3min x 90sec, 200 MVU).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the arrest of labor and interventions attempted, which supports accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Failure to Progress in Labor? Ask your questions below.

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