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ICD-10 Coding for Preterm Delivery(O60.1XX-, O60.3XX-)

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

Also known as:

Premature BirthEarly Delivery

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Preterm Delivery

O60-O60.3Primary Range

Preterm labor and delivery codes

These codes cover the spectrum of preterm labor and delivery scenarios, including spontaneous and induced labor.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)

Used when PROM occurs in conjunction with preterm labor and delivery.

Gestational age codes

These codes specify the gestational age at the time of delivery, crucial for accurate coding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O60.1XX-Preterm spontaneous labor with preterm deliveryUse when preterm labor results in delivery before 37 weeks.
  • Regular uterine contractions with cervical change
  • Gestational age less than 37 weeks
O60.3XX-Preterm induced labor with preterm deliveryUse when labor is medically induced and results in delivery before 37 weeks.
  • Indication for induction documented
  • Gestational age less than 37 weeks

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 preterm delivery

Essential facts and insights about Preterm Delivery

The ICD-10 code for preterm delivery is O60.1XX- for spontaneous labor and O60.3XX- for induced labor, both requiring gestational age documentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for preterm delivery

Preterm spontaneous labor with preterm delivery
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of regular contractions and cervical change before 37 weeks.

Applicable To

  • Spontaneous preterm labor resulting in delivery

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Regular uterine contractions with cervical change
  • Gestational age less than 37 weeks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies cervical changes and gestational age.

Coding Notes

  • Sequence O60.1 first when preterm labor leads to delivery.

Ancillary Codes

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

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)

O42.0-
Use when PROM occurs before labor begins.

PROM ≥24hrs

O42.1-
Use when PROM occurs 24 hours or more before labor.

Differential Codes

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

False labor

O47.0-
No cervical change or progression to delivery.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Preterm Delivery to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O60.1XX-.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include gestational age in delivery documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify documentation for cervical changes and delivery outcome.

Impact

Failure to code gestational age accurately.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for gestational age in EHR systems.

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 Preterm Delivery, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Preterm Delivery

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

Preterm labor resulting in delivery

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Gestational age
  • Contraction pattern
  • Cervical exam findings
  • Delivery method

Example Documentation

Gestational age: 35+2 weeks, contractions q5min, cervical dilation 3cm, vaginal delivery.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Preterm labor, delivered early.
Good Documentation Example
Spontaneous labor at 34+0 weeks: contractions q3min, cervical dilation 6cm, delivered vaginally.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on contractions, cervical changes, and gestational age.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Preterm Delivery? Ask your questions below.

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