2025 ICD-10-CM code P39
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Infections - Other infections specific to the perinatal period XVI Feed
Other infections specific to the perinatal period; requires additional codes to specify organism or infection.
Modifiers are not applicable to ICD-10-CM codes such as P39.
Medical necessity for coding P39 relies on proper documentation substantiating an infection specific to the perinatal period.This must establish that the infection occurred either in utero, during delivery, via the umbilical stump, or within the first 28 days of postnatal life. The clinical findings should support the diagnosis of infection, and treatment must be medically necessary and appropriate for the identified or suspected condition.
The clinical responsibility for coding P39 rests with the physician or healthcare provider caring for the newborn. They must identify the specific infection to ensure accurate billing and avoid ambiguity.
In simple words: This code is for other infections a baby gets before birth, during birth, or within the first month of life.The doctor needs to add more information to specify the exact germ or type of infection.
This code encompasses other infections affecting newborns during the perinatal period (from before birth to 28 days after birth), excluding those specifically listed elsewhere.To ensure accurate coding, additional codes are necessary to identify the specific infectious organism or the precise type of infection.Examples of infections included may be those acquired in utero, during delivery, or via the umbilical cord in the first 28 days of life. This code should not be used for infections that are not specific to the perinatal period, congenital infections listed elsewhere in the ICD-10-CM classification, or for conditions such as tetanus neonatorum.
Example 1: A newborn is diagnosed with a bloodstream infection (sepsis) caused by an unidentified bacteria within the first week of life. Code P39 is used along with additional codes specifying the type of sepsis and any identified organism. , A baby develops an infection at the umbilicus (belly button) after birth. After cultures are completed, the infection is determined to be caused by Staphylococcus aureus.In this case, both code P39 and the appropriate code for Staphylococcus aureus infection would be necessary. , A neonate displays symptoms consistent with an infection likely acquired in utero.Further testing is necessary to identify the specific pathogen or type of infection.While awaiting lab results, P39 is a temporary placeholder, pending identification of a specific infection or causative agent.
Complete medical records, including detailed history of the pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care are necessary.Documentation must include the date of onset of symptoms, clinical findings (physical exam, lab results such as cultures and sensitivity testing), diagnostic imaging if performed, treatments administered, and the response to therapy.If a specific organism is identified, the appropriate infection code must be added. Specific details related to the source and mode of infection (in utero, during birth, or postnatal) should be documented.
** This code is intended for use only on newborn records.It should never be used on maternal records.The use of additional codes to specify the infectious agent is mandatory for accurate and complete coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Neonatology, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Birthing Center