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ICD-10 Coding for Preterm Labor(O60.0, O60.1)

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

Also known as:

Premature LaborEarly Labor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Preterm Labor

O60-O60.1Primary Range

Preterm labor and delivery

This range includes codes for preterm labor with and without delivery, crucial for accurate documentation and coding.

Weeks of gestation

These codes specify the gestational age, which is necessary for coding preterm labor.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O60.0Preterm labor without deliveryUse when preterm labor occurs without delivery during the encounter.
  • Regular uterine contractions
  • Cervical dilation <3 cm
  • Intact membranes
O60.1Preterm labor with preterm deliveryUse when preterm labor results in delivery during the encounter.
  • Regular uterine contractions
  • Cervical dilation ≥3 cm
  • Delivery occurs

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 labor without delivery

Essential facts and insights about Preterm Labor

The ICD-10 code for preterm labor without delivery is O60.0, used when labor occurs without delivery.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for preterm labor

Preterm labor without delivery
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of regular contractions and cervical dilation <3 cm.

Applicable To

  • Preterm labor in second trimester
  • Preterm labor in third trimester

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Regular uterine contractions
  • Cervical dilation <3 cm
  • Intact membranes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as O60.1 if delivery occurs.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies no delivery occurred.

Ancillary Codes

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

Weeks of gestation

Z3A.XX
Use to specify gestational age with O60 codes.

Differential Codes

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

False labor

O47.0
Use when contractions occur without cervical change.

Preterm labor without delivery

O60.0
Use when no delivery occurs during the encounter.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Preterm Labor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O60.0.

Impact

Clinical: Affects clinical decision-making., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document gestational age with preterm labor codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: May lead to compliance issues with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Switch to O60.1 if delivery occurs during the encounter.

Impact

Coding preterm labor without verifying delivery status.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks for delivery documentation before finalizing 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 Preterm Labor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Preterm Labor

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

Preterm labor without delivery

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Contraction frequency
  • Cervical dilation
  • Gestational age
  • Fetal fibronectin results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with regular contractions every 5 minutes, cervical dilation 2 cm, intact membranes at 32 weeks. Fetal fibronectin 75 ng/mL. No delivery during encounter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with preterm labor.
Good Documentation Example
Regular uterine contractions q5min, cervical dilation 2 cm, intact membranes at 32 weeks. Fetal fibronectin 75 ng/mL. No delivery during encounter.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details necessary for accurate coding.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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