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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP91.61

P91.61

Billable

Mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [HIE]

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P91.61 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [hie].

Key Diagnostic Point:

Mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a neurological condition that occurs in newborns due to a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during the perinatal period. This condition can arise from various factors, including complications during labor and delivery, maternal health issues, or placental insufficiency. In cases of mild HIE, infants may exhibit subtle neurological signs such as irritability, poor feeding, and decreased responsiveness. These symptoms are often transient and can improve with appropriate medical care. The diagnosis of mild HIE is typically made based on clinical assessment, including neurological examination and monitoring of the infant's behavior and responses. Early intervention and supportive care are crucial in managing mild HIE, as they can significantly influence long-term outcomes. The prognosis for infants with mild HIE is generally favorable, with many achieving normal developmental milestones, although some may experience mild cognitive or behavioral issues later in life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between mild, moderate, and severe HIE.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and management of HIE.
  • Documenting associated conditions and comorbidities.
  • Navigating the nuances of neonatal neurological assessments.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the severity of HIE.
  • Misclassification of HIE severity based on clinical presentation.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on developmental outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological assessments, feeding patterns, and response to stimuli.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with irritability, poor feeding, and abnormal tone in the NICU.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the timing and nature of hypoxic events is critical.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Developmental assessments and follow-up evaluations for long-term outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric visits for developmental delays or behavioral concerns stemming from HIE.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the infant's overall health and any comorbid conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P91.61 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for perinatal conditions, ensuring that documentation supports the diagnosis of mild HIE
  • Specific criteria include clinical signs, neurological assessments, and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P91.61 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 for initial evaluation of a newborn diagnosed with mild HIE.

Documentation Requirements

Document the clinical findings and management plan.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure comprehensive assessments are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of perinatal conditions, including mild HIE, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and facilitating better tracking of outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of perinatal conditions, including mild HIE, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and facilitating better tracking of outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of perinatal conditions, including mild HIE, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and facilitating better tracking of outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Care

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the long-term outcomes for infants diagnosed with mild HIE?

Most infants with mild HIE have favorable long-term outcomes, achieving normal developmental milestones. However, some may experience mild cognitive or behavioral issues that require monitoring and support.