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ICD-10 Coding for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy(O21.0, O21.1, O21.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Morning SicknessHyperemesis Gravidarum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

O21Primary Range

Excessive vomiting in pregnancy

This range covers all pregnancy-related vomiting conditions, including hyperemesis gravidarum.

Nausea and vomiting

Used for nausea and vomiting not related to pregnancy.

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 the patient experiences mild vomiting with no significant metabolic disturbance.
  • Weight loss <5%
  • No metabolic disturbance
O21.1Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbanceUse when there is severe vomiting with metabolic disturbances like electrolyte imbalance.
  • Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L)
  • Ketonuria
  • Weight loss >5%
O21.9Unspecified vomiting of pregnancyUse when vomiting is related to pregnancy but does not meet criteria for O21.0 or O21.1.
  • Vomiting without specific criteria for hyperemesis

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 nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Essential facts and insights about Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

The ICD-10 code for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is O21, with subcategories for severity and metabolic disturbances.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Mild hyperemesis gravidarum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Vomiting frequency and absence of metabolic issues

Applicable To

  • Mild nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Excludes

  • Non-pregnancy-related vomiting (R11)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Weight loss <5%
  • No metabolic disturbance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if metabolic disturbances are present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of metabolic disturbances.

Differential Codes

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

Nausea and vomiting

R11
R11 is used when vomiting is not related to pregnancy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy 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 clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Include lab results in documentation, Use structured templates

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment and potential claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify the vomiting is related to pregnancy and use O21 codes.

Impact

Lack of documentation for metabolic disturbances in hyperemesis gravidarum cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and checklists to ensure all necessary details are documented.

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 Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

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

Severe vomiting in pregnancy

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Vomiting frequency
  • Weight loss percentage
  • Metabolic disturbance evidence

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has vomiting. Start IV fluids.
Good Documentation Example
G1P0 at 12w GA with hyperemesis gravidarum: 8x/day vomiting, PUQE-24 score 14, 6% weight loss, K+ 3.1 mEq/L. Failed outpatient management with doxylamine/pyridoxine. Plan: Admit for IV hydration + ondansetron.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and treatment plans, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy? Ask your questions below.

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