Understanding preterm labor diagnosis, documentation, and medical coding is crucial for accurate healthcare. This resource provides information on preterm labor symptoms, diagnostic criteria including fetal fibronectin and cervical length, ICD-10 codes O60, management strategies like tocolytics, and best practices for clinical documentation to support accurate billing and coding for premature birth and threatened preterm labor. Learn about risk factors, diagnosis confirmation, and appropriate terminology for healthcare professionals involved in perinatal care.
Also known as
Preterm labor
Premature onset of labor before completion of 37 weeks of gestation.
Premature rupture of membranes
Rupture of membranes before onset of labor, often leading to preterm labor.
Weeks of gestation
Codes specifying the weeks of gestation, used to classify preterm status.
Multiple gestation
Pregnancy with more than one fetus, increasing risk of preterm labor.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Gestational age < 37 weeks?
Yes
Regular contractions?
No
Not preterm labor. Review documentation for alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Preterm Labor |
| Threatened Preterm Labor |
| Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) |
Inaccurate coding of gestational age can lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues for preterm labor.
Coding preterm labor without specifying threatened vs. established labor can impact quality metrics and severity scores.
Failing to code associated conditions like preeclampsia or PPROM with preterm labor can underestimate patient complexity.
Q: How can I differentiate between Braxton Hicks contractions and true preterm labor in a patient presenting with increased uterine activity before 37 weeks?
A: Differentiating between Braxton Hicks contractions and true preterm labor can be challenging. While Braxton Hicks are often irregular, mild, and resolve with hydration and rest, true preterm labor is characterized by regular, progressively stronger contractions accompanied by cervical changes (effacement and dilation). A thorough clinical assessment, including evaluating cervical length via transvaginal ultrasound and fetal fibronectin testing, is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Consider implementing a standardized preterm labor assessment protocol in your practice to ensure consistent and reliable evaluation. Explore how our S10.AI platform can assist in risk stratification and personalized management of preterm labor.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based interventions for managing preterm labor with intact membranes between 24 and 34 weeks gestation?
A: Managing preterm labor between 24 and 34 weeks with intact membranes involves a multi-pronged approach. Key interventions include administering antenatal corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone) to accelerate fetal lung maturity, tocolytic therapy (e.g., nifedipine, indomethacin) to delay delivery and allow time for corticosteroid benefit, and magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection if delivery is anticipated before 32 weeks. Additionally, close monitoring of maternal and fetal well-being is essential. Learn more about the latest research on individualized tocolytic selection based on gestational age and contraindications within our S10.AI resources.
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with preterm labor, defined as regular uterine contractions accompanied by cervical change before 37 weeks of gestation. Presenting complaints may include lower abdominal pain, cramping, pelvic pressure, backache, increased vaginal discharge, or a feeling of "tightening" in the abdomen. On examination, uterine contractions were noted, with a frequency of [frequency] minutes apart, lasting [duration] seconds. Cervical examination revealed [cervical dilation] cm dilated and [cervical effacement]% effaced, [cervical position, e.g., anterior, posterior, mid-position]. Fetal heart rate monitoring demonstrates a baseline of [baseline FHR] beats per minute with [presence or absence of accelerations and decelerations]. Gestational age is confirmed at [gestational age] weeks based on [method of dating, e.g., LMP, ultrasound]. Differential diagnosis includes Braxton Hicks contractions, urinary tract infection, and other causes of abdominal pain. Assessment indicates preterm labor. Plan includes [mention specific interventions, e.g., tocolytic administration (specify medication and dosage), corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity (specify medication and dosage), transfer to a higher level of care, bed rest, hydration, monitoring of maternal vital signs and fetal well-being]. Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of preterm labor, importance of compliance with treatment plan, and potential complications. Follow-up scheduled for [date and time of follow-up]. Diagnosis codes considered include [ICD-10 codes, e.g., O60.0XX0, O60.1XX0, specifying relevant fifth digit for fetal presentation].