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ICD-10 Coding for Nausea in Pregnancy(O21.0, O21.1)

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

Also known as:

Morning SicknessHyperemesis Gravidarumpregnancy-related vomiting

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nausea in Pregnancy

O21.0-O21.9Primary Range

Excessive vomiting in pregnancy

This range covers conditions related to nausea and vomiting specifically due to pregnancy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O21.0Mild hyperemesis gravidarumUse when the patient experiences mild nausea and vomiting without significant weight loss or metabolic disturbances.
  • PUQE-24 score ≤6
  • Weight loss <5%
  • No ketonuria or lab abnormalities
O21.1Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbanceUse when the patient experiences severe nausea and vomiting with metabolic disturbances such as electrolyte imbalance.
  • PUQE-24 score ≥7
  • Weight loss ≥5%
  • Presence of ketonuria or electrolyte imbalance

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 nausea in pregnancy

Essential facts and insights about Nausea in Pregnancy

The ICD-10 code for nausea in pregnancy is O21.0 for mild cases and O21.1 for cases with metabolic disturbance.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for nausea in pregnancy

Mild hyperemesis gravidarum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient presents with nausea and vomiting but no significant weight loss or lab abnormalities.

Applicable To

  • Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy without metabolic disturbance

Excludes

  • Nausea and vomiting unrelated to pregnancy (R11.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PUQE-24 score ≤6
  • Weight loss <5%
  • No ketonuria or lab abnormalities

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if metabolic disturbances are present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of metabolic disturbances.

Differential Codes

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

Nausea with vomiting, unspecified

R11.2
Use R11.2 only if nausea and vomiting are confirmed to be unrelated to pregnancy.

Mild hyperemesis gravidarum

O21.0
Differentiate based on the presence of metabolic disturbances and severity of symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nausea in Pregnancy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O21.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific metrics like PUQE-24 score and weight loss percentage.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on pregnancy-related conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Use O21.x codes unless a non-obstetric cause is confirmed.

Impact

Failure to document metabolic disturbances can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all metabolic disturbances are documented with lab results.

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

Documentation Templates for Nausea in Pregnancy

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

Severe nausea in pregnancy with metabolic disturbance

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • PUQE-24 score
  • Weight loss percentage
  • Presence of ketonuria
  • Electrolyte levels

Example Documentation

Patient reports 8 episodes of vomiting in 24 hours, PUQE score 15, weight decreased 6% from baseline, ketonuria present. Treated with IV fluids and ondansetron.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has nausea and vomiting.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 8 episodes of vomiting in 24 hours, PUQE score 15, weight decreased 6% from baseline, ketonuria present.
Explanation
The good example provides specific metrics and clinical findings supporting the diagnosis.

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

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