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ICD-10 Coding for HELLP Syndrome(O14.2, O14.22, O14.23, O14.24, O14.25)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for HELLP Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to HELLP Syndrome

O14.20-O14.25Primary Range

HELLP syndrome complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium

This range includes codes for HELLP syndrome based on the trimester and whether it complicates childbirth or the puerperium.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O14.2HELLP syndromeUse when HELLP syndrome is confirmed by lab criteria and documented in the medical record.
  • LDH >600 IU/L
  • AST ≥70 IU/L
  • Platelets <100k/mm³
O14.22HELLP syndrome, second trimesterUse when HELLP syndrome occurs in the second trimester.
  • Gestational age between 14 and 27 weeks + 6 days
O14.23HELLP syndrome, third trimesterUse when HELLP syndrome occurs in the third trimester.
  • Gestational age 28 weeks or more
O14.24HELLP syndrome complicating childbirthUse when HELLP syndrome complicates childbirth.
  • HELLP syndrome onset during labor or delivery
O14.25HELLP syndrome complicating the puerperiumUse when HELLP syndrome complicates the puerperium.
  • HELLP syndrome onset within 48 hours postpartum

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 HELLP syndrome

Essential facts and insights about HELLP Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for HELLP syndrome is O14.2, with specific subcodes for trimester and complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hellp syndrome

HELLP syndrome
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets

coding Criteria

  • Do not code O14.1 with O14.2

Applicable To

  • Severe pre-eclampsia

Excludes

  • O14.1 (Severe pre-eclampsia without HELLP)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDH >600 IU/L
  • AST ≥70 IU/L
  • Platelets <100k/mm³

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding both O14.1 and O14.2

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the trimester and any complications such as DIC or acute kidney injury.

Ancillary Codes

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

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

D65
Use if DIC is present as a complication of HELLP syndrome.

Acute kidney injury, unspecified

N17.9
Use if acute kidney injury is present and creatinine >1.5 mg/dL.

Differential Codes

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

Other postpartum complications

O90.89
Use if HELLP onset is more than 48 hours postpartum.

Acute hepatic failure

K72.00
Use if liver failure is the dominant clinical feature.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting HELLP Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O14.2.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are documented in the patient's record., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use only O14.2 as it includes severe pre-eclampsia.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on pregnancy complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the trimester or postpartum status.

Impact

Coding both O14.1 and O14.2 or missing trimester/postpartum status.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on updated guidelines and ensure complete 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 HELLP Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for HELLP Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for HELLP Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

HELLP syndrome diagnosis

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Blood pressure readings
  • Lab results (LDH, AST, platelets)
  • Differential diagnosis considerations

Example Documentation

Patient at 32 weeks gestation presents with RUQ pain, BP 160/110. Labs show LDH 800, AST 150, platelets 75k. Diagnosed with HELLP syndrome in third trimester.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HELLP syndrome suspected.
Good Documentation Example
HELLP confirmed: LDH 850 IU/L, AST 95 IU/L, platelets 82k/mm³ at 29w gestation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and gestational age, confirming the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for HELLP Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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