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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO21.1

O21.1

Billable

Hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance

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

Code Description

ICD-10 O21.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to significant dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. This condition typically occurs in the first trimester but can persist throughout pregnancy. Patients may present with persistent vomiting, weight loss exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight, and signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and hypotension. The metabolic disturbances associated with hyperemesis gravidarum often include hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and ketosis due to prolonged fasting and inadequate caloric intake. Management may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy, electrolyte replacement, and nutritional support, including enteral feeding or parenteral nutrition in severe cases. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent complications for both the mother and fetus, including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between hyperemesis gravidarum and normal pregnancy nausea/vomiting.
  • Assessing the severity of dehydration and metabolic disturbances.
  • Documenting the need for nutritional support and IV therapy.
  • Understanding the implications of prolonged vomiting on maternal and fetal health.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of severity and duration of symptoms.
  • Failure to document the need for IV fluids or nutritional support.
  • Misclassification of the condition as mild nausea/vomiting.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of symptoms, treatment plans, and response to therapy is essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe vomiting, dehydration, and requiring hospitalization for IV fluids.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of co-existing conditions such as pre-existing hyperthyroidism or gastrointestinal disorders.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of high-risk factors and fetal monitoring is critical.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of hyperemesis gravidarum in patients with multiple gestations or pre-existing medical conditions.

Billing Considerations

Close monitoring of fetal growth and development due to potential nutritional deficiencies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O21.1 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for obstetric conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the severity of symptoms and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O21.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, typically 70 minutes or more

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum is admitted for IV hydration and monitoring.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure that all relevant symptoms and treatments are documented to support the level of care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hyperemesis gravidarum, improving the ability to capture the severity and associated complications of this condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hyperemesis gravidarum, improving the ability to capture the severity and associated complications of this condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hyperemesis gravidarum, improving the ability to capture the severity and associated complications of this condition.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between O21.1 and O21.0?

O21.1 is used for cases of hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disturbance, while O21.0 is for less severe nausea and vomiting without metabolic complications.