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ICD-10 Coding for C-Section Delivery(O82, O34.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for C-Section Delivery. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cesarean SectionC-SectionCesarean Delivery

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to C-Section Delivery

O82-O84Primary Range

Delivery by cesarean section

This range covers all types of cesarean deliveries, including those without indication and those with specific complications.

Maternal care for uterine scar from previous cesarean delivery

Relevant for coding when a previous cesarean scar impacts the current delivery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O82Encounter for cesarean delivery without indicationUse when a cesarean delivery is performed without a medical indication.
  • Patient request for cesarean without medical indication
O34.21Maternal care due to uterine scar from previous cesareanUse when a previous cesarean scar impacts the current delivery.
  • Documented history of previous cesarean with scar type

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 C-section delivery

Essential facts and insights about C-Section Delivery

The ICD-10 code for a C-section delivery without indication is O82, paired with Z37.0 for the outcome.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for c section delivery

Encounter for cesarean delivery without indication
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient elects cesarean delivery without medical necessity.

Applicable To

  • Elective cesarean delivery

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient request for cesarean without medical indication

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation supports elective nature to avoid denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure elective nature is clearly documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Single live birth

Z37.0
Mandatory outcome code for all deliveries.

Differential Codes

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

Maternal care due to uterine scar from previous cesarean

O34.21
Use when previous cesarean scar is the reason for the current cesarean.

Encounter for cesarean delivery without indication

O82
Use O82 when there is no medical indication for cesarean.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting C-Section Delivery to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O82.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient's obstetric history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify scar type and impact, Use ultrasound findings to confirm

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of medical necessity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on cesarean delivery reasons.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the elective nature of the cesarean.

Impact

Lack of documentation supporting elective nature can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of patient request and informed consent.

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 C-Section Delivery, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for C-Section Delivery

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for C-Section Delivery. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Elective Cesarean Delivery

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Patient request for cesarean
  • Informed consent
  • Discussion of risks and benefits

Example Documentation

Patient requested cesarean delivery due to anxiety about vaginal birth. Informed consent obtained after discussing risks and benefits.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Previous C-section.
Good Documentation Example
Low transverse uterine scar from prior cesarean confirmed by ultrasound (date). Patient declined VBAC due to anxiety.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the scar and the patient's decision-making process.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for C-Section Delivery? Ask your questions below.

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