2025 ICD-10-CM code O62.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Obstetrics - Complications of labor and delivery Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A) Feed
Precipitate labor is defined as the expulsion of the fetus within less than 3 hours of the commencement of regular uterine contractions.
No specific modifiers applicable to this ICD-10 code.
Medical necessity is established by the clinical presentation of the patient's labor and the need for prompt medical intervention to ensure the safe delivery of the infant.Documentation supporting the diagnosis of precipitate labor is crucial.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Midwife
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium > Complications of labor and delivery
In simple words: Precipitate labor means a very fast labor and delivery.It happens when the baby is born within 3 hours of when regular contractions start.This rapid birth can sometimes cause problems for both the mother and the baby.
Precipitate labor, coded as O62.3 in the ICD-10-CM classification system, refers to the rapid delivery of a fetus within three hours of the onset of regular contractions.This rapid labor can result from a combination of factors including low resistance in the birth canal, unusually strong uterine contractions, or rarely, a lack of painful sensations during labor.Precipitous labor is a significant clinical event with potential risks to both the mother and the neonate.The condition's clinical significance includes potential for maternal injury (such as perineal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta), and neonatal risks (such as birth trauma, asphyxia).
Example 1: A 25-year-old G1P0 woman presents to the labor and delivery unit with sudden onset of intense contractions.She delivers a healthy infant within 2 hours of arrival., A 30-year-old G2P1 woman at 39 weeks gestation experiences a rapid labor and delivers at home before EMS can arrive. The delivery is uncomplicated., A 35-year-old G3P2 woman with a history of precipitous labor delivers within 1.5 hours of the onset of contractions.She experiences a significant postpartum hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion.
Detailed documentation of labor progression, including time of onset of regular contractions, frequency and intensity of contractions, time of delivery, and any complications encountered during labor and delivery.Maternal and fetal vital signs should also be meticulously documented.
** While the definition of precipitate labor is generally considered to be less than 3 hours of labor, some healthcare providers may use a threshold of less than 5 hours.Careful documentation of the entire labor process is essential for accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable; this is a diagnosis code.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office, Home