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ICD-10 Coding for Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis(O23.5XX)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Vulvovaginitis in PregnancyInfectious Vaginitis during Pregnancy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis

O23.5Primary Range

Infections of the genital tract in pregnancy

This range includes codes for infections of the genital tract that complicate pregnancy, such as vulvovaginitis.

Vaginitis and vulvitis

These codes describe vaginitis and vulvitis but are secondary when the condition complicates pregnancy.

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

Used as an ancillary code to specify candidal infection when complicating pregnancy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for pregnancy complicated by vulvovaginitis

Essential facts and insights about Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis

The ICD-10 code for pregnancy complicated by vulvovaginitis is O23.5XX.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pregnancy complicated by vulvovaginitis

Infection of genital tract in pregnancy
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of vulvovaginitis symptoms complicating pregnancy

documentation Criteria

  • Trimester and organism identification documented

Applicable To

  • Vulvovaginitis complicating pregnancy

Excludes

  • Infections not complicating pregnancy (use Z33.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented causal relationship between infection and pregnancy complication
  • Trimester-specific documentation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing if not used as primary code
  • Missing trimester documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the trimester and causal relationship to pregnancy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

B37.3
Use to specify candidal infection complicating pregnancy.

Differential Codes

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

Vaginitis, unspecified

N76.0
Use N76.0 when vaginitis is incidental to pregnancy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O23.5XX.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are documented., Verify organism identification before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data regarding pregnancy complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Use O23.5XX as primary code when infection complicates pregnancy.

Impact

Using non-O codes as primary for pregnancy complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on correct sequencing rules for Chapter 15 codes.

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 Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis

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

Pregnant patient with vulvovaginitis

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Trimester
  • Causal relationship to pregnancy
  • Organism identification

Example Documentation

32yo G2P1 at 28w0d c/o intense vulvar pruritus and thick white discharge x4 days. Denies fever/contractions.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vaginal discharge noted during pregnancy.
Good Documentation Example
28-week pregnant patient with symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis confirmed by wet mount/KOH.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, trimester, and lab confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pregnancy Complicated by Vulvovaginitis? Ask your questions below.

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