ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP91.60

P91.60

Billable

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [HIE], unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 P91.60 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [hie], unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant neurological condition in newborns resulting from a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain, often occurring during labor and delivery. This condition can lead to various neurological impairments, including seizures, cerebral palsy, and cognitive deficits. The severity of HIE can vary widely, from mild disturbances in cerebral status to severe brain injury. Newborns with HIE may exhibit signs of neonatal cerebral irritability, such as increased muscle tone, jitteriness, and abnormal reflexes. Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment, neuroimaging, and monitoring of neurological status. Management may include therapeutic hypothermia, supportive care, and monitoring for complications. Accurate coding of HIE is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and resource allocation in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of HIE
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of neurological assessments
  • Differentiation from other neurological conditions
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological assessments
  • Failure to specify the severity of HIE
  • Misclassification of HIE with other neurological disorders
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological assessments, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented to support the diagnosis of HIE.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Newborns presenting with seizures, abnormal tone, or altered consciousness in the NICU.

Billing Considerations

Coders must be aware of the potential for evolving clinical status and the need for ongoing documentation.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatricians must document developmental assessments and follow-up care for infants with HIE.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric follow-up visits for developmental delays or neurological assessments in infants with a history of HIE.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of long-term outcomes and associated conditions in coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P91.60 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, particularly those related to perinatal conditions and neurological disorders
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P91.60 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99460CPT Code

Initial hospital care, per day, for evaluation and management of a normal newborn

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with P91.60 for initial assessments in the NICU.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the newborn's clinical status and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of neurological assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of HIE, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its management. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of HIE, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its management. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of HIE, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its management. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and treatment planning.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Coding Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Coding Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key indicators for coding HIE?

Key indicators include clinical signs of neurological impairment, imaging results indicating brain injury, and documentation of treatment interventions such as therapeutic hypothermia.