2025 ICD-10-CM code O32
Maternal care for malpresentation of fetus. Includes: the listed conditions as a reason for observation, hospitalization or other obstetric care of the mother, or for cesarean delivery before onset of labor.
Medical necessity for the use of O32 codes is established when the malpresentation poses a risk to the mother or fetus, requiring intervention or monitoring beyond routine prenatal care. The specific malpresentation and its potential complications should be documented to justify the medical necessity of the care provided.
The physician is responsible for diagnosing the malpresentation, determining the best course of action for the mother and fetus, and providing appropriate care. This may include monitoring the pregnancy, recommending a C-section, or managing any complications that arise.
- Chapter 15: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
- Maternal care related to the fetus and amniotic cavity and possible delivery problems (O30-O48)
In simple words: This code describes care provided to the mother when the baby is not positioned correctly for birth. It includes situations where the baby's position requires monitoring, hospitalization, or a C-section before labor begins.
Maternal care for malpresentation of fetus. Includes: the listed conditions as a reason for observation, hospitalization, or other obstetric care of the mother, or for cesarean delivery before the onset of labor.Excludes1: malpresentation of fetus with obstructed labor (O64.-)
Example 1: A pregnant woman in her third trimester is diagnosed with a breech presentation during a routine ultrasound. The physician decides to schedule a C-section before the onset of labor to ensure a safe delivery. The code O32.1XX0 would be used to document the maternal care for the breech presentation., A pregnant woman at 37 weeks presents to the hospital with a transverse lie. After attempts to manually reposition the fetus are unsuccessful, the physician decides to perform a C-section. The code O32.8XX0 would be used to document the maternal care for the transverse lie., A pregnant woman at 39 weeks presents with a compound presentation (hand alongside the head). The physician monitors her labor closely and performs a C-section after noting no progress in labor after several hours of close monitoring. O32.8XX2 would be reported in this case, for example.
Documentation should include the type of malpresentation, the weeks of gestation, any associated complications, and the management plan. Details of examinations, ultrasounds, and any procedures performed should also be documented. For C-sections performed due to malpresentation, the reason for the C-section should be clearly stated in the operative report.
** It's crucial to distinguish between routine prenatal care for a normal pregnancy (Z34.-) and maternal care for a malpresentation (O32). The O32 code is used only when the malpresentation is the reason for the provided care.Always refer to the most current ICD-10-CM guidelines and coding manuals for the most accurate and updated information as coding guidelines are subject to change.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Birthing Center, Physician's Office