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O36.40
ICD-10-CM
Intrauterine Fetal Demise

Find comprehensive information on Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD) including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10), diagnostic criteria, and healthcare guidelines. Learn about stillbirth, fetal death, pregnancy loss, and related terms for accurate reporting and patient care. This resource provides support for healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of IUFD documentation and coding.

Also known as

IUFD
Stillbirth

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Death of a fetus in the uterus after 20 weeks of gestation.
  • Clinical Signs : Absence of fetal movement, heartbeat. Confirmed by ultrasound.
  • Common Settings : Hospitals, specialized obstetric clinics, maternal-fetal medicine units.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC O36.40 Coding
P95

Fetal death of unspecified cause

Covers fetal death/demise, cause unspecified.

O36

Maternal care for other fetal problems

Includes conditions affecting the fetus like IUGR/fetal distress.

P02

Fetus and newborn affected by maternal factors

Encompasses maternal conditions impacting the fetus (e.g., infections).

P91

Fetal death and associated obstetric conditions

Includes fetal death with associated obstetric complications.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Gestational age at fetal demise?

  • Under 20 weeks

    Missed abortion?

  • 20 weeks or over

    Antepartum stillbirth?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Intrauterine fetal demise
Missed abortion
Stillbirth

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • IUFD diagnosis: Confirm absence of fetal cardiac activity.
  • Document ultrasound findings: No fetal heartbeat, confirm gestational age.
  • Specify IUFD type: Early, late, or term (include gestational age).
  • Note maternal history: Relevant medical conditions, previous pregnancies.
  • Document next steps: Management plan, bereavement support discussed.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Gestational Age Miscoding

    Inaccurate coding of gestational age can impact severity and reimbursement. CDI should query for precise documentation.

  • Missed Secondary Diagnoses

    Underlying causes like infections or chromosomal abnormalities may be overlooked, impacting mortality data and reimbursement.

  • Inconsistent Fetal Death Reporting

    Variations in documentation of live birth vs. fetal demise can lead to coding errors and skewed perinatal statistics. Clear definitions are crucial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 Z37.9, P95: Verify fetal demise diagnosis, clarify gestational age.
  • Document detailed ultrasound findings: absent heartbeat, no fetal movement.
  • Correlate clinical findings with imaging: loss of pregnancy symptoms, fundal height.
  • Complete autopsy, placental pathology, genetic testing for accurate coding (R95).
  • CDI, compliance review: ensure documentation supports IUFD diagnosis, excludes other causes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Absent fetal heart tones documented x2
  • 2. Ultrasound confirms absence of cardiac activity
  • 3. Crown-rump length consistent with gestational age
  • 4. Consider maternal factors,infection,trauma

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Intrauterine Fetal Demise reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (O36.4xx) and proper documentation of gestational age for optimal payer reimbursement.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Case Mix Index (CMI) and hospital mortality reporting for Intrauterine Fetal Demise cases.
  • Timely and specific documentation of IUFD circumstances affects perinatal mortality statistics and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Accurate coding and reporting of IUFD contributes to appropriate resource allocation and bereavement support program funding.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code P95.0 for IUFD
  • Confirm gestational age
  • Document demise findings
  • Exclude other diagnoses
  • Consider maternal condition

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with confirmed intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), also referred to as stillbirth.  Gestational age at time of diagnosis is documented as [Gestational Age] weeks and [Days] days based on [Method of Dating: LMP, Ultrasound, etc.].  Fetal demise was confirmed by the absence of fetal cardiac activity on ultrasound examination performed on [Date of Ultrasound].  Patient reports [Symptoms or Absence of Symptoms, e.g., decreased fetal movement, bleeding, cramping, no symptoms].  Relevant medical history includes [Maternal Medical History, e.g., GDM, chronic hypertension, previous pregnancy losses, infections].  Physical examination reveals [Relevant Physical Exam Findings, e.g., uterine size consistent with dates, closed cervix, no vaginal bleeding currently].  Differential diagnosis included but was not limited to missed miscarriage, blighted ovum, and ectopic pregnancy.  These were ruled out based on [Reasons for Ruling Out Other Diagnoses, e.g., ultrasound findings, beta-hCG levels].  Plan of care includes discussion of management options, including expectant management, medical induction of labor, and surgical intervention (dilation and curettage or dilation and evacuation).  Patient counseling addresses the emotional and psychological impact of fetal loss, available support resources (bereavement counseling, support groups), and risks and benefits of each management option.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for [Date of Follow-Up] to discuss chosen management plan and address any further questions or concerns.  ICD-10 code P95.1 (Fetal death of unspecified episode of care) is documented for billing and coding purposes.  This documentation is relevant for medical coding reimbursement and reflects current clinical practice guidelines for stillbirth management.
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