ICD-10 Coding for Fetal Intolerance to Labor(O68.0, O68.1, O77.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Fetal Intolerance to Labor. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Fetal Intolerance to Labor
O68-O77Primary Range
Complications of labor and delivery
This range includes codes for fetal heart rate anomalies, acid-base balance abnormalities, and unspecified fetal stress during labor.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| O68.0 | Labour and delivery complicated by fetal heart rate anomaly | Use when there is documented fetal heart rate anomaly with distress leading to intervention. |
|
| O68.1 | Labour and delivery complicated by fetal acid-base balance abnormalities | Use when there is documented metabolic acidemia during labor. |
|
| O77.9 | Labour and delivery complicated by fetal stress, unspecified | Use when documentation states 'fetal distress' without specifying FHR patterns or acid-base abnormalities. |
|
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 fetal intolerance to labor
Essential facts and insights about Fetal Intolerance to Labor
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fetal intolerance to labor
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of Category III FHR tracing with interventions
Applicable To
- Category III fetal heart rate tracings
- Absent variability
- Recurrent late decelerations
Excludes
- Isolated fetal heart rate anomalies without distress
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Category III FHR tracing
- Recurrent late decelerations
- Bradycardia
Code-Specific Risks
- Misuse for isolated decelerations without distress
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies Category III FHR tracing and associated interventions.
O68.1 - Labour and delivery complicated by fetal acid-base balance abnormalities
Use when there is documented metabolic acidemia during labor.
Applicable To
- Metabolic acidemia
- Umbilical cord pH <7.20
Excludes
- Normal acid-base balance
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Umbilical cord pH <7.20
- Base excess ≤-12 mmol/L
Coding Notes
Document specific acid-base abnormalities and interventions.
O77.9 - Labour and delivery complicated by fetal stress, unspecified
Use when documentation states 'fetal distress' without specifying FHR patterns or acid-base abnormalities.
Applicable To
- Non-specific fetal distress
Excludes
- Specific heart rate or acid-base abnormalities
Clinical Validation Requirements
- General term 'fetal distress' without specifics
Coding Notes
Query for more details if documentation is vague.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Delayed delivery after spontaneous or unspecified rupture of membranes
O75.8Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fetal Intolerance to Labor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O68.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms like 'Category III FHR tracing'.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies distress or acidemia.
Impact
Risk of incorrect code selection due to vague documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific FHR patterns and acid-base data.
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 Fetal Intolerance to Labor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Fetal Intolerance to Labor
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Fetal Intolerance to Labor. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Fetal Intolerance to Labor
Specialty: ObstetricsRequired Elements
- FHR baseline
- Variability
- Decelerations
- Interventions
- Cord pH
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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