2025 ICD-10-CM code O69.81
This code describes a complication during labor and delivery where the umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetal neck, but without compression.
The medical necessity for this code is established by the presence of nuchal cord during labor and delivery, even in the absence of compression or complications.
The obstetrician or other healthcare professional attending the delivery is responsible for documenting and coding this condition.
In simple words: During childbirth, the baby's umbilical cord was around its neck, but it wasn't tight enough to cause any problems.
Labor and delivery complicated by cord around neck, without compression
Example 1: A pregnant woman at 40 weeks gestation presents in labor. During delivery, the umbilical cord is found wrapped around the baby's neck, but it is loose and doesn't cause any fetal distress or other complications. The baby is delivered without incident., A woman in labor undergoes fetal monitoring, which reveals a normal fetal heart rate despite the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby's neck. The cord is loose, and no intervention is required. The baby is born healthy., During a vaginal delivery, the attending physician notes the umbilical cord is loosely wrapped around the baby’s neck once. The cord is easily unwrapped, and there are no signs of compression or fetal distress.
Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of the cord around the neck and specify the absence of compression or related complications. Fetal monitoring strips and other relevant clinical findings should also be included in the medical record.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Birthing Center