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ICD-10 Coding for Hyperemesis Gravidarum(O21.0, O21.1)

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

Also known as:

Severe Morning SicknessPregnancy Hyperemesis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperemesis Gravidarum

O21.0-O21.9Primary Range

Excessive vomiting in pregnancy

This range includes codes specific to hyperemesis gravidarum, differentiating mild cases from those with metabolic disturbances.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O21.0Mild hyperemesis gravidarumUse when symptoms start before 20 weeks without metabolic disturbance.
  • Vomiting ≥3 times/day
  • Weight loss 5-9% from pre-pregnancy weight
  • Ketonuria 1+ to 2+
O21.1Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbanceUse when metabolic disturbances are documented.
  • Weight loss ≥10%
  • Hypokalemia (K+ <3.0 mmol/L)
  • Metabolic alkalosis (HCO3- >30 mmol/L)

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 hyperemesis gravidarum

Essential facts and insights about Hyperemesis Gravidarum

The ICD-10 code for mild hyperemesis gravidarum is O21.0, while O21.1 is used for cases with metabolic disturbance.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperemesis gravidarum

Mild hyperemesis gravidarum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Vomiting ≥3 times/day with 5-9% weight loss

coding Criteria

  • Symptoms before 20 weeks without metabolic disturbance

Applicable To

  • Persistent vomiting before 20 weeks gestation

Excludes

  • Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance (O21.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Vomiting ≥3 times/day
  • Weight loss 5-9% from pre-pregnancy weight
  • Ketonuria 1+ to 2+

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if metabolic disturbance is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies vomiting frequency and weight loss percentage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Weeks of gestation

Z3A.XX
Always include to specify gestational age.

Hypokalemia

E87.6
Use when hypokalemia is present.

Differential Codes

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

Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance

O21.1
Presence of metabolic disturbance such as hypokalemia or alkalosis.

Mild hyperemesis gravidarum

O21.0
Absence of metabolic disturbance.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperemesis Gravidarum to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O21.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of pregnancy-related conditions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Always include Z3A.XX code, Verify gestational age in clinical notes

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use O21.0 or O21.1 based on clinical documentation.

Impact

Failure to document metabolic disturbances can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results are included in the patient record.

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 Hyperemesis Gravidarum, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Assessment

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Vomiting frequency
  • Weight tracking
  • Failed therapies
  • Ketonuria
  • Electrolytes
  • Exclusion of alternatives

Example Documentation

14-week pregnancy with vomiting 8x/day, 7% weight loss, ketonuria 3+.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Severe morning sickness
Good Documentation Example
Hyperemesis gravidarum with 8% weight loss, ketonuria 4+, hypokalemia 2.9 mEq/L
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Ask your questions below.

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