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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO16.4

O16.4

Billable

Unspecified maternal hypertension, complicating childbirth

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/08/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 O16.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified maternal hypertension, complicating childbirth.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified maternal hypertension complicating childbirth refers to elevated blood pressure in a pregnant woman that does not meet the criteria for specific hypertensive disorders such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. This condition can arise during labor and delivery, posing risks to both the mother and the fetus. Maternal hypertension can lead to complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and increased risk of cesarean delivery. The diagnosis is often made based on blood pressure readings taken during prenatal visits or at the time of delivery. Management may include monitoring blood pressure, administering antihypertensive medications, and ensuring close observation of both maternal and fetal well-being. Accurate coding is essential to reflect the complexity of care provided and to ensure appropriate reimbursement for services rendered.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in blood pressure readings and definitions of hypertension.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of maternal and fetal monitoring.
  • Differentiation from other hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
  • Potential for multiple comorbidities affecting maternal health.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of blood pressure readings.
  • Failure to specify the type of hypertension.
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and outcomes.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of blood pressure measurements, treatment plans, and maternal-fetal assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A patient presenting with elevated blood pressure during labor requiring monitoring and possible intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant clinical findings are documented to support the diagnosis of unspecified maternal hypertension.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of high-risk factors, including previous hypertensive disorders and current management strategies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of a high-risk pregnancy with a history of hypertension requiring specialized care.

Billing Considerations

Close monitoring of both maternal and fetal health is critical, and documentation should reflect the complexity of care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O16.4 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, it is essential to document the specific type of hypertension when possible
  • If the hypertension is unspecified, coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and reflects the clinical scenario accurately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O16.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99203CPT Code

Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents for a routine prenatal visit with elevated blood pressure.

Documentation Requirements

Document blood pressure readings, assessment of maternal and fetal health, and any interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the visit.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of maternal hypertension, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these cases. However, it also requires coders to be more diligent in ensuring accurate documentation and coding practices.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of maternal hypertension, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these cases. However, it also requires coders to be more diligent in ensuring accurate documentation and coding practices.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of maternal hypertension, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these cases. However, it also requires coders to be more diligent in ensuring accurate documentation and coding practices.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented to support the diagnosis of O16.4?

To support the diagnosis of unspecified maternal hypertension, it is essential to document blood pressure readings, any symptoms experienced by the patient, treatment plans, and the monitoring of both maternal and fetal health throughout the pregnancy and delivery.