In ICD 10, the diagnosis codes are very specific. To code pregnancy complications, we have very specific codes in ICD 10 this time. Now, we have codes for first, second, third and unspecified trimester ICD 10 codes for pregnancy complication. Earlier in ICD 9 codes, pregnancy complication codes were only based on antepartum, postpartum or unspecified episode of care. However, in ICD 10 we will be having very specific Trimester codes. In addition, to add this will be having codes for specific weeks of gestation. Yes, you have heard it correct, there will be secondary codes with pregnancy complication specifying the weeks of gestation. Let us talk in more detail about these codes.
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Use of Pregnancy complication codes (O00-O9A)
The pregnancy complication codes should only be used for the maternal record. The ICD 10 codes for Pregnancy complication start with ‘O’ alphabet. These ICD 10 codes are different from ICD 9 codes. In ICD 9, we use to use generally one code for pregnancy complication. However, in ICD 10 we have to use minimum two codes, one for the complication and second ICD 10 code for specifying the weeks of gestation. Therefore, pregnancy ICD 10 codes will be very specific.
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Codes used for Pregnancy Complication
Now, we know we have to use minimum two codes for coding pregnancy complication. The primary code with be obviously from series O00.09A. There is separate code series for specifying the weeks of gestation. There is new guidelines for coding Z3A Category in 2018. Z3A category includes number of weeks of gestation. This category has codes from 1st week to 49 week of gestation. So, do not forget to add these codes with the pregnancy complication codes.
Points to remember while coding Pregnancy complications ICD 10 codes
While coding Pregnancy codes, always use complications code for any condition affecting the mother during pregnancy.
Never use a normal supervision Z code along with a pregnancy complication code. It is not possible, to have normal and complication condition occur together for a pregnant mother.
Be careful while using Z3A category, while using with pregnancy complication. In 2018, there is new guideline for use of weeks of gestation. Now, we are not suppose to use Z3A codes along O.00- O08 code series.
For codes O09.09A, we can use Z3A category codes as secondary ICD codes.
These changes have happened to remove use of Z3A category codes along with abortion codes.