AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 1992 Fourth Quarter; New/Revised Codes

Intrauterine Hypoxia and Birth Asphyxia

Coders should not code fetal distress on newborn records based on information in the mother's record. All newborns have some degree of asphyxia due to the stress of delivery, but in most cases this is clinically insignificant. The fact that a newborn receives suctioning, is given oxygen, or has low Apgar scores is not indicative of fetal distress. Meconium staining at birth, unless it requires resuscitation, is also not indicative of fetal distress. Fetal distress on a newborn record should be coded only if the attending physician (pediatrician) documents its presence or affect on the newborn. An instructional note...

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