2025 ICD-10-CM code O48.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium - Maternal care related to the fetus and amniotic cavity and possible delivery problems Chapter 15: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A) Feed
Post-term pregnancy: Pregnancy extending beyond 42 completed weeks of gestation.
Not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Modifiers apply to CPT and HCPCS codes.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a post-term pregnancy (gestational age exceeding 42 weeks) and the associated risks to both the mother and fetus.These risks are well-documented in medical literature and justify the monitoring and intervention to minimize adverse outcomes.
Obstetricians and gynecologists are primarily responsible for managing post-term pregnancies.This includes regular monitoring of the mother and fetus, and making decisions about the timing of delivery based on the individual circumstances.Other specialists, such as neonatologists, may be involved depending on the baby's health.
In simple words: Post-term pregnancy means a pregnancy that lasts longer than 42 weeks (or about 10 months). This can be risky for both the mother and the baby, potentially causing complications during delivery for the mother, and breathing problems, low blood sugar, or other issues for the baby. Doctors usually recommend ways to help deliver the baby if the pregnancy goes past 42 weeks to prevent these problems.
Post-term pregnancy, also known as prolonged pregnancy, is defined as a pregnancy that continues beyond 42 completed weeks (294 days) from the first day of the last menstrual period.It is characterized by increased risks for both the mother and the fetus, including but not limited to:increased risk of operative delivery (forceps or vacuum), vaginal birth trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and wound complications for the mother; and meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, birth injury, and stillbirth for the fetus. The placenta may begin to age and become less efficient in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.Amniotic fluid volume may decrease, and the fetus may stop growing or even lose weight. The increased risks for both mother and fetus necessitate close monitoring and often medical intervention such as induction of labor at or before 42 weeks gestation.
Example 1: A 35-year-old woman presents at 41 weeks gestation for a routine checkup.She had a previous post-term pregnancy. The physician orders non-stress testing (NST) and biophysical profile (BPP). Based on the results showing signs of fetal compromise, the physician decides to induce labor., A 28-year-old G1P0 woman presents at 42 weeks and 2 days gestation with complaints of decreased fetal movement. Upon examination, the cervix is unfavorable. The physician initiates labor induction with Pitocin after discussing potential risks and benefits with the patient., A 40-year-old woman at 43 weeks gestation is admitted to the hospital with spontaneous rupture of membranes. Due to the prolonged gestation and presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, a cesarean delivery is performed.
Detailed obstetrical history, including past pregnancies, menstrual cycle regularity, and ultrasound dating.Results of any prenatal tests (e.g., non-stress test, biophysical profile).Documentation of all examinations, interventions, and clinical decision-making. Documentation of fetal monitoring and assessments, and maternal vital signs.Any complications encountered (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage, meconium aspiration, birth injuries) should be fully documented.Delivery records, including method of delivery, Apgar scores, and newborn weight and condition.
** Accurate gestational age determination is crucial for appropriate coding.Ultrasound dating is preferred over LMP dating whenever available.Always code any associated complications (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress) separately.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the services rendered and the payer. Consult your payer's guidelines.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes.RVUs are associated with the procedures performed. The relative value units will vary significantly based on the physician's work, practice expense, and malpractice insurance, as well as the location.
- Global Days: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Global surgical periods are related to CPT codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Fee schedules are determined by payers and are not inherent to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Birthing Center