ICD-10 Coding for Morning Sickness(O21.9, O21.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Morning Sickness. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Morning Sickness
O21-O21.9Primary Range
Vomiting of pregnancy
This range covers conditions related to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, including morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| O21.9 | Vomiting of pregnancy, unspecified | Use for typical morning sickness without severe complications. |
|
| O21.0 | Mild hyperemesis gravidarum | Use when hyperemesis is present but without severe metabolic complications. |
|
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 morning sickness
Essential facts and insights about Morning Sickness
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for morning sickness
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy without metabolic disturbance.
Applicable To
- Morning sickness
Excludes
- Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance (O21.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy without metabolic disturbance
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if metabolic disturbances are present.
Coding Notes
- Ensure pregnancy status is confirmed before using this code.
O21.0 - Mild hyperemesis gravidarum
Use when hyperemesis is present but without severe metabolic complications.
Applicable To
- Mild hyperemesis
Excludes
- Severe hyperemesis with metabolic disturbance (O21.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Weight loss <5% body weight
- No electrolyte imbalance
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports the absence of metabolic disturbance.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Morning Sickness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O21.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of pregnancy-related conditions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incomplete documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document gestational age in patient records., Use specific Z3A.XX codes.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on pregnancy-related conditions.
Mitigation Strategy
Always verify pregnancy status and use O21.9 for pregnancy-related nausea.
Impact
Using non-pregnancy codes for nausea in pregnant patients.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify pregnancy status and use appropriate O21 codes.
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 Morning Sickness, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Morning Sickness
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Morning Sickness. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pregnant patient with morning sickness
Specialty: ObstetricsRequired Elements
- Gestational age
- Frequency of vomiting
- Weight loss percentage
- Hydration status
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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