In simple words: This code is for babies with diarrhea that isn't caused by an infection.It's only used for the baby's medical records, not the mother's. The diarrhea must have started before birth or within the first 28 days after birth, even if it continues later.

This ICD-10-CM code, P78.3, classifies noninfective neonatal diarrhea.It is specifically for use in the medical records of newborns and should not be used for maternal records. The condition's origin must be in the fetal or perinatal period (from before birth through the first 28 days after birth), even if the morbidity presents later in life.This code excludes cystic fibrosis, neonatal gastrointestinal hemorrhages, and other specified conditions.

Example 1: A newborn presents with watery stools without fever or other signs of infection within the first week of life. The physician diagnoses noninfective neonatal diarrhea., A premature infant develops diarrhea after birth. Cultures show no bacterial or viral pathogens. The physician documents noninfective neonatal diarrhea and codes P78.3., A full-term newborn exhibits persistent diarrhea for several days after birth. No identifiable pathogen is found. The physician confirms the origin of the condition in the perinatal period and assigns P78.3.

Complete documentation is crucial. It should include a detailed history of the onset and characteristics of the diarrhea, results of any diagnostic tests (e.g., stool cultures to rule out infection), and the physician's assessment confirming the noninfectious nature of the diarrhea and that the onset was within the perinatal period.

** Always refer to the most current ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.Differentiation from other causes of diarrhea, such as infections and metabolic disorders, is vital for correct coding.