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ICD-10 Coding for Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration(O70.2, O70.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Perineal Tear RepairEpisiotomy Repair

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration

O70.0-O70.9Primary Range

Perineal laceration during delivery

This range covers the classification of perineal lacerations by degree, which is essential for coding the repair procedures.

Repair of perineum muscle, open approach

Used for coding the repair of second-degree perineal lacerations involving muscle.

Repair of anal sphincter, open approach

Applicable for third-degree tears involving the anal sphincter.

Repair of rectum, open approach

Used for fourth-degree tears involving the rectal mucosa.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O70.2Third-degree perineal laceration during deliveryUse when the laceration involves the anal sphincter but not the rectal mucosa.
  • Operative note specifying involvement of anal sphincter
  • Physical exam findings
O70.3Fourth-degree perineal laceration during deliveryUse when both the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa are involved.
  • Operative note detailing involvement of rectal mucosa
  • Physical exam findings

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 third-degree perineal laceration

Essential facts and insights about Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration

The ICD-10 code for third-degree perineal laceration is O70.2, used when the tear involves the anal sphincter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for procedure repair obstetric vaginal laceration

Third-degree perineal laceration during delivery
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Anal sphincter involvement confirmed

Applicable To

  • Tear involving anal sphincter

Excludes

  • Fourth-degree perineal laceration (O70.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative note specifying involvement of anal sphincter
  • Physical exam findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if rectal mucosa is involved

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the degree of tear and structures involved.

Differential Codes

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

Fourth-degree perineal laceration during delivery

O70.3
Involves both anal sphincter and rectal mucosa.

Third-degree perineal laceration during delivery

O70.2
Does not involve rectal mucosa.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O70.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Denied claims or incorrect reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates, Educate staff on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use appropriate obstetric codes and unlisted codes if necessary.

Impact

Misclassification of tear degree can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation and use of correct 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 Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Repair of third-degree perineal laceration

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Degree of tear
  • Structures involved
  • Suture material
  • Post-repair examination

Example Documentation

Third-degree perineal laceration involving anal sphincter repaired with end-to-end sphincteroplasty using 3-0 Vicryl.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Repaired perineal tear.
Good Documentation Example
Third-degree perineal laceration involving anal sphincter repaired with layered closure using 3-0 Vicryl.
Explanation
The good example specifies the degree, structures involved, and repair technique.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Repair of Obstetric Vaginal Laceration? Ask your questions below.

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