In simple words: This code is for newborns who breathed in their first bowel movement (meconium) into their lungs either before or during birth, causing breathing problems.

This ICD-10-CM code signifies meconium aspiration with accompanying respiratory symptoms in a newborn infant.Meconium aspiration refers to the inhalation of meconium (the infant's first stool) into the lungs, typically occurring during or before delivery.Respiratory symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include tachypnea, respiratory distress, and cyanosis.This code should only be used for newborn records, not maternal records.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with respiratory distress immediately after delivery, and analysis of their lung fluid reveals the presence of meconium.The infant requires respiratory support and monitoring., A mother with a history of opioid use delivers a newborn who is cyanotic and exhibiting labored breathing.Meconium aspiration is suspected, and the neonatologist orders chest x-rays and initiates respiratory support., During a routine postpartum visit, a pediatrician notes that an infant has persistent cough and mild respiratory distress.Thorough evaluation indicates meconium aspiration as a possible cause.

** Accurate diagnosis and coding of meconium aspiration requires careful clinical assessment and correlation of clinical findings with radiological and laboratory results.This code should always be used in conjunction with appropriate clinical documentation.