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ICD-10 Coding for Arrest of Descent(O62.1, O62.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Arrest of Descent. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Labor ArrestFailure to Progress in Descent

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arrest of Descent

O60-O75Primary Range

Complications of labor and delivery

This range includes codes for various complications during labor, including arrest of descent.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O62.1Secondary uterine inertiaUse when there is documented arrest of descent during active labor with adequate contractions.
  • No descent for >1 hour at station ≥+1
  • Adequate contractions documented
O62.9Unspecified labor inertiaUse when documentation does not specify the cause of labor arrest.
  • Lack of specific documentation for arrest of descent

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 arrest of descent

Essential facts and insights about Arrest of Descent

The ICD-10 code for arrest of descent is O62.1, indicating secondary uterine inertia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arrest of descent

Secondary uterine inertia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No descent for >1 hour at station ≥+1 with adequate contractions

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed notes on station, duration, and contraction adequacy

Applicable To

  • Arrested active phase of labor

Excludes

  • Cephalopelvic disproportion (O33.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No descent for >1 hour at station ≥+1
  • Adequate contractions documented

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified labor inertia (O62.9)

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies arrest of descent and not just 'failure to progress'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Prolonged second stage of labor

O63.1
Use alongside O62.1 if the second stage exceeds 4 hours (nulliparous) or 3 hours (parous) with epidural.

Differential Codes

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

Cephalopelvic disproportion

O33.5
Use when there is documented disproportion between fetal head and maternal pelvis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arrest of Descent to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O62.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Increased audit risk, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'arrest of descent', Include quantitative data

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Increased audit risk, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies arrest of descent with adequate contractions.

Impact

Lack of specific documentation can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of labor progression and arrest.

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 Arrest of Descent, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Arrest of Descent

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Arrest of Descent. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Arrest of Descent in Labor

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Cervical dilation
  • Fetal station
  • Duration of arrest
  • Contraction pattern

Example Documentation

Patient fully dilated for 2.5 hours. Persistent station +1 despite adequate contractions (q2-3min, 250 MVU). No signs of CPD. Plan: Cesarean for arrest of descent (O62.1).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Failure to progress in second stage.
Good Documentation Example
Nulliparous patient at 10 cm for 3 hours with arrest of descent at station +2 for 1.5 hours despite adequate contractions (200 MVU), no CPD.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on station, duration, and contraction adequacy, supporting the use of O62.1.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Arrest of Descent? Ask your questions below.

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