Infections specific to the perinatal period
ICD-10 Codes (33)
P36P36.0P36.1P36.10P36.19P36.2P36.3P36.30P36.39P36.4P36.5P36.8P36.9P37P37.0P37.1P37.2P37.3P37.4P37.5P37.8P37.9P38P38.1P38.9P39P39.0P39.1P39.2P39.3P39.4P39.8P39.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for P35-P39 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range P35-P39 pertains to infections specific to the perinatal period. These codes are used to document infections contracted by the newborn during the perinatal period, which is the period shortly before, during, and after birth. The codes in this range cover a variety of infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, and are crucial for accurate patient history, treatment, and statistical analysis.
Key Usage Points:
- •P35-P39 codes should be used for infections contracted during the perinatal period.
- •The codes cover a variety of infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal.
- •These codes are essential for accurate patient history and treatment.
- •The codes in this range are also important for statistical analysis.
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity within this range.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a newborn contracts an infection during the perinatal period.
- ✓When documenting a patient's medical history.
- ✓When tracking the prevalence of certain infections in newborns.
- ✓When coding for statistical analysis or research purposes.
- ✓When coding for billing and reimbursement purposes.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the infection was not contracted during the perinatal period.
- ✗When the infection is not specific to the perinatal period.
- ✗When the infection is not confirmed by a physician.
- ✗When the infection is a symptom of another condition.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the physician's documentation.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for P35-P39 codes requires detailed and accurate clinical information. The documentation should clearly state the type of infection, when it was contracted, and any complications or associated conditions.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of infection
- •When the infection was contracted
- •Any complications or associated conditions
- •Confirmation of the infection by a physician
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab results confirming the infection
- •Physician's notes
- •Treatment records
- •Patient history
Good Documentation Example:
Newborn diagnosed with viral infection, confirmed by lab results, contracted during birth. Treatment plan includes antiviral medication.
Poor Documentation Example:
Newborn has infection.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying when the infection was contracted
- ⚠Not specifying the type of infection
- ⚠Not including physician's confirmation
- ⚠Not coding to the highest level of specificity
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of P35-P39 codes is medium due to the need to determine when the infection was contracted, identify the type of infection, code for any complications or associated conditions, and code to the highest level of specificity. Additionally, all information must be verified with the physician's documentation.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining when the infection was contracted
- ▸Identifying the type of infection
- ▸Coding for complications or associated conditions
- ▸Coding to the highest level of specificity
- ▸Verifying the information with the physician's documentation
Specialty Focus
P35-P39 codes are primarily used in neonatology and pediatrics. They are crucial for documenting and treating infections in newborns, and for tracking the prevalence of these infections.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Newborn diagnosed with bacterial infection contracted during birth.
- • Newborn with fungal infection contracted shortly after birth.
- • Newborn with viral infection contracted during the perinatal period.
- • Newborn with infection contracted during birth, with complications.
Resources & References
Resources for P35-P39 codes include the official ICD-10 coding guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 guidelines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Pediatrics' resources
- ClinicalKey's neonatology resources
Educational Materials:
- AAPC's ICD-10 training
- AHIMA's ICD-10 resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can P35-P39 codes be used for infections contracted after the perinatal period?
No, P35-P39 codes should only be used for infections contracted during the perinatal period.