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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA34

A34

Obstetrical tetanus

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of obstetrical tetanus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Obstetrical tetanus is a severe and potentially fatal infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can occur in women during or after childbirth. This condition is primarily associated with unsterile practices during delivery, particularly in settings where proper hygiene is not maintained. The bacteria typically enter the body through wounds or breaks in the skin, often from contaminated instruments or materials used during childbirth. Symptoms of obstetrical tetanus include muscle stiffness, spasms, and lockjaw, which can lead to complications such as respiratory failure and autonomic instability. The condition is preventable through proper vaccination against tetanus, and it is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure that pregnant women are immunized appropriately. Treatment involves the administration of tetanus immunoglobulin, antibiotics, and supportive care, including muscle relaxants and respiratory support if necessary. Early recognition and intervention are vital to improving outcomes for affected women.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between obstetrical tetanus and other forms of tetanus.
  • Understanding the specific documentation requirements for obstetrical cases.
  • Recognizing the importance of vaccination history in coding.
  • Navigating the potential for co-morbid conditions that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of vaccination status.
  • Failure to document the mode of delivery and any complications.
  • Misclassification of the type of tetanus.
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical notes regarding the onset of symptoms.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of delivery practices, maternal vaccination history, and any complications during labor.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Delivery in unsterile conditions, postpartum infections, and maternal complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all maternal health records are complete and include vaccination status.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment protocols.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of tetanus infections in postpartum women and vaccination strategies.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the patient's history of immunization and any previous infections.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A34 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's onset, treatment, and any related complications
  • Include relevant details about the patient's obstetric history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A34 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

90714CPT Code

Tetanus toxoid vaccine administration

Clinical Scenario

Administering the vaccine to a pregnant woman to prevent obstetrical tetanus.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's vaccination history and the administration details.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure that vaccination is part of routine prenatal care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetrical tetanus, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of maternal health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetrical tetanus, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of maternal health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetrical tetanus, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of maternal health outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tetanus Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tetanus Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of obstetrical tetanus?

Symptoms include muscle stiffness, spasms, lockjaw, and potentially respiratory failure. Early recognition is crucial for effective treatment.