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ICD-10 Coding for Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy(O23.01, O23.02, O23.03)

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

Also known as:

Kidney infection during pregnancyPregnancy-related pyelonephritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy

O23.0-O23.9Primary Range

Infections of genitourinary tract in pregnancy

This range includes codes for infections of the genitourinary tract during pregnancy, including pyelonephritis.

Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases

Includes codes for acute and chronic pyelonephritis not specified as complicating pregnancy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O23.01Infections of genitourinary tract in pregnancy, first trimesterUse when pyelonephritis is documented as complicating pregnancy in the first trimester.
  • Fever ≥38°C
  • Costovertebral angle tenderness
  • Positive urine culture (≥10^5 CFU/mL)
O23.02Infections of genitourinary tract in pregnancy, second trimesterUse when pyelonephritis is documented as complicating pregnancy in the second trimester.
  • Fever ≥38°C
  • Costovertebral angle tenderness
  • Positive urine culture (≥10^5 CFU/mL)
O23.03Infections of genitourinary tract in pregnancy, third trimesterUse when pyelonephritis is documented as complicating pregnancy in the third trimester.
  • Fever ≥38°C
  • Costovertebral angle tenderness
  • Positive urine culture (≥10^5 CFU/mL)

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 pyelonephritis in pregnancy

Essential facts and insights about Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy

The ICD-10 code for pyelonephritis complicating pregnancy is O23.0-, with specific codes for each trimester: O23.01 for the first trimester, O23.02 for the second, and O23.03 for the third.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pyelonephritis in pregnancy

Infections of genitourinary tract in pregnancy, first trimester
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fever, flank pain, and positive urine culture

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit statement that pyelonephritis is complicating pregnancy

Applicable To

  • Acute pyelonephritis complicating pregnancy in the first trimester

Excludes

  • Chronic pyelonephritis (N11.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fever ≥38°C
  • Costovertebral angle tenderness
  • Positive urine culture (≥10^5 CFU/mL)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect trimester specification can lead to coding errors.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the infection as complicating the pregnancy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use when urine culture confirms E. coli as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Acute pyelonephritis

N10
Use N10 if the infection is not documented as complicating the pregnancy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O23.01.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misclassification of severity., Regulatory: May result in audit flags., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation specificity., Use templates that prompt for complication details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower DRG reimbursement., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of pregnancy-related health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Add O23.0- as primary if pregnancy complication is documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect trimester coding can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: May lead to audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Impacts the quality of trimester-specific health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for exact trimester at diagnosis.

Impact

Using incorrect trimester codes can lead to audit discrepancies.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify trimester details in documentation before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy

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

Acute pyelonephritis in second trimester

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Imaging findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

G2P1 at 26 weeks with fever (38.9°C), WBC 18,000, left CVA tenderness. Urine culture: Klebsiella 10^5 CFU/mL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
UTI in pregnancy
Good Documentation Example
Acute pyelonephritis complicating pregnancy at 26 weeks with positive urine culture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the complication and provides clinical details.

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

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