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ICD-10 Coding for Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy(O26.43, Z86.59)

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

Also known as:

HSV in PregnancyGenital Herpes in Pregnancy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy

O26.4Primary Range

Maternal care for other conditions predominantly related to pregnancy

This range includes codes for herpes simplex virus infections complicating pregnancy.

Herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections

This range includes codes for herpes simplex infections, which may be used as secondary codes.

Personal history of diseases of the genitourinary system

This range includes codes for a history of genital herpes without current complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O26.43Herpes gestationis, third trimesterUse when active HSV lesions are present during the third trimester of pregnancy.
  • Presence of active HSV lesions confirmed by PCR
  • Gestational age documented as third trimester
Z86.59Personal history of other diseases of the genitourinary systemUse when there is a history of HSV without current active infection.
  • Documentation of past HSV infection without current symptoms

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 herpes simplex virus in pregnancy

Essential facts and insights about Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy

The ICD-10 code for active herpes simplex virus infection in the third trimester of pregnancy is O26.43.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for herpes simplex virus in pregnancy

Herpes gestationis, third trimester
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Active HSV lesions confirmed by laboratory tests

documentation Criteria

  • Gestational age documented as third trimester

Applicable To

  • Active herpes simplex virus infection during the third trimester

Excludes

  • History of herpes without current infection (Z86.59)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of active HSV lesions confirmed by PCR
  • Gestational age documented as third trimester

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding asymptomatic history as active infection

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies active lesions and trimester.

Ancillary Codes

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

39 weeks gestation of pregnancy

Z3A.39
Use to specify the exact weeks of gestation.

Differential Codes

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

Maternal care for other infections

O26.2-
Use for other infections complicating pregnancy not specifically herpes.

Herpes gestationis, third trimester

O26.43
Use when active infection is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O26.43.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Always include gestational age in weeks, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z86.59 for history without current symptoms.

Impact

Using O26.43 for historical HSV cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports active infection.

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 Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy

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

Active HSV infection in third trimester

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Presence and description of lesions
  • Lab confirmation
  • Antiviral treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient at 39 weeks with active HSV lesions on labia majora confirmed by PCR. Initiated acyclovir 400mg TDS.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of herpes.
Good Documentation Example
39-week pregnant patient with active HSV lesions confirmed by PCR.
Explanation
Good example specifies current infection and gestational age.

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

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