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ICD-10 Coding for Intrauterine Fetal Demise(O36.4XX0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Intrauterine Fetal Demise. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

IUFDStillbirth

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intrauterine Fetal Demise

O36.4Primary Range

Maternal care for intrauterine death

This range is used for coding maternal care when intrauterine fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of gestation.

Missed abortion

This code is used for fetal demise before 20 weeks of gestation and should not be confused with IUFD.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for IUFD

Essential facts and insights about Intrauterine Fetal Demise

The ICD-10 code for intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) is O36.4XX0, used for maternal care when fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of gestation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for iufd

Maternal care for intrauterine death, not applicable or unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of fetal cardiac activity confirmed by ultrasound

documentation Criteria

  • Gestational age ≥20 weeks documented

Applicable To

  • Confirmed absence of fetal cardiac activity ≥20 weeks gestation

Excludes

  • Missed abortion (O02.1)
  • Fetal death of unspecified cause (P95)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound report confirming absence of fetal cardiac activity
  • Gestational age documentation ≥20 weeks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with codes for missed abortion or neonatal death

Coding Notes

  • Ensure gestational age is documented and Z3A.XX is used to specify the exact weeks.

Ancillary Codes

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

Placental insufficiency

O43.21
Use when placental insufficiency is documented as contributing to IUFD.

Chorioamnionitis

O41.1XX0
Use when chorioamnionitis is documented and contributes to IUFD.

Differential Codes

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

Missed abortion

O02.1
Use for fetal demise before 20 weeks of gestation.

Fetal death of unspecified cause

P95
Not used on maternal records; applicable for fetal records.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intrauterine Fetal Demise to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O36.4XX0.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document gestational age, Use Z3A.XX code with O36.4

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate maternal health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use O36.4 with appropriate gestational age code Z3A.XX.

Impact

Failure to document gestational age can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure Z3A.XX is used with O36.4 to specify gestational age.

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 Intrauterine Fetal Demise, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Intrauterine Fetal Demise

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Intrauterine Fetal Demise. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

IUFD Confirmation

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Ultrasound findings
  • Maternal comorbidities
  • Counseling provided

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had stillbirth. D&C performed.
Good Documentation Example
Intrauterine fetal demise at 23+2 weeks confirmed via transabdominal ultrasound (no cardiac activity, EFW 480g). D&E performed under ultrasound guidance.
Explanation
The good example provides specific gestational age, method of confirmation, and procedure details.

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