Title: Module 6 Coding for Pregnancy
Course: Introduction to Coding and Classification Systems > Section: Module 6: Coding for Pregnancies and Childbirth Complications

Introduction

In module 6, you will cover Chapters 20, 21, and 23 and will learn how to code for pregnancy and childbirth complications, abortions, congenital anomalies, and perinatal conditions.

You will need to put on your thinking cap for Chapter 20! Be careful when going through this chapter, as Chapter 20 in one of the chapters that cause most students some confusion on coding pregnancies and complications of pregnancies.

NOTE: Any condition that occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium is considered to be a complication unless the attending physician specifically documents that it neither affects the pregnancy nor is affected by the pregnancy. So, there is rarely a 650 code indicating normal pregnancy as strict guidelines are used. It is necessary to really read the coding guidelines here for coding a normal pregnancy code designation.

The principal diagnosis is determined by the main complication of pregnancy and relates to any procedures performed for delivery or management of the pregnancy. Attention is given to the fifth digit and additional Outcome of Delivery V code. These codes are only used on the mother's chart and never on the newborn chart.

Course Outcomes

- Recognizes the basic coding steps for coding medical diagnosis in both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM. (1)
- Comprehends the basic coding guidelines established by the American Hospital Association for both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10CM. (2)
- Converts medical documentation into both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. (3)
- Applies the official coding guidelines to the coding of medical diagnosis for all body systems (circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary, blood-forming organs, reproductive, gastrointestinal, etc.) (5)
- Demonstrates thorough understanding of selection of the principal diagnosis and any secondary diagnosis associated with the episode of care or hospital admission. (6)
- Performs accurate diagnosis code assignment for all body systems based upon the documentation provided in the health record. (8)

Objectives

After completing this module you should be able to:

- Code complications of pregnancy using the proper fourth and fifth digits.
- Use the proper V codes to assign the outcome of delivery
- Code for other obstetric care besides childbirth.
- Know the difference between postpartum complications and late effects of pregnancy, childbirth,and the puerperium.
- Differentiate among the procedures assisting delivery.
- Code for contraceptive and procreative management.
- Classify abortive outcomes by type of abortion.
- Use a fifth digit to indicate whether the abortion is complete or incomplete.
- Use a fourth digit to indicate complications to the abortion.
- Understand how to code different types and occurrences of abortions (such as inadvertent and loss of fetus with remaining fetus).
- Classify abnormal products of conception (such as molar and ectopic pregnancies).
- Explain the difference between congenital and perinatal deformities.
- Locate codes and follow general guidelines with regard to perinatal conditions.
- Use V codes to classify the birth, and use them with other codes for perinatal conditions.
- Code situations involving newborn immaturity, prematurity, and postmaturity.
- Code for evaluation and observation of newborns and infants.
- Determine what chapter to use to classify a newborn or infant infection.
- Know how and when to assign codes for maternal condition on the newborn record.

Readings and Resources

- Chapters 20, 21, and 23 and completion of all exercises to prepare for Test 6
- Review Coding Guidelines

Discussion

The above link takes you to the discussion page.  Please follow the directions and post your response.

Test
The above link takes you to the test page. There are 25 questions worth 2 points each. You have one hour to complete the open book exam. You also have an additional opportunity to retake the test if you want to improve your score.