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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO26.03

O26.03

Billable

Excessive weight gain in pregnancy, third trimester

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

Code Description

ICD-10 O26.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of excessive weight gain in pregnancy, third trimester.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Excessive weight gain during the third trimester of pregnancy is a condition that can complicate maternal and fetal health. It is characterized by weight gain that exceeds the recommended guidelines based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). This condition can lead to various complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and increased risk of cesarean delivery. In the third trimester, the fetus undergoes significant growth, and maternal weight gain is expected; however, excessive gain can indicate underlying issues such as poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, or metabolic disorders. Monitoring and managing weight gain is crucial for optimizing outcomes for both mother and baby. Healthcare providers should assess weight gain regularly, provide nutritional counseling, and consider referrals to specialists if necessary. This condition is particularly relevant in the context of maternal care for patients with pre-existing conditions such as renal, cardiac, or respiratory issues, as excessive weight gain can exacerbate these conditions and lead to further complications during pregnancy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in recommended weight gain based on pre-pregnancy BMI
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of maternal health status
  • Potential overlap with other pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., gestational diabetes)
  • Involvement of multidisciplinary teams for management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of weight gain assessments
  • Failure to document counseling or interventions provided
  • Misclassification of weight gain as normal when excessive
  • Lack of follow-up on maternal health conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain progress, and any interventions or referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, or hypertension in the third trimester.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the patient's overall health, including any comorbidities that may affect weight management.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of high-risk factors, including renal, cardiac, or respiratory conditions, and their management.

Common Clinical Scenarios

High-risk pregnancies where excessive weight gain may exacerbate existing conditions.

Billing Considerations

Close monitoring and collaboration with other specialties to manage complex cases.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O26.03 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding pregnancy
  • related conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of weight gain and any associated complications
  • Use additional codes to capture any related conditions such as gestational diabetes or hypertension

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O26.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to monitor excessive weight gain and provide counseling.

Documentation Requirements

Document weight assessments, counseling provided, and any referrals made.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure that all relevant health factors 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 pregnancy-related conditions, improving the ability to track and manage excessive weight gain and its complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pregnancy-related conditions, improving the ability to track and manage excessive weight gain and its complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pregnancy-related conditions, improving the ability to track and manage excessive weight gain and its complications.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes excessive weight gain during pregnancy?

Excessive weight gain is defined as weight gain that exceeds the recommended guidelines based on pre-pregnancy BMI. For example, women with a normal BMI should gain between 25-35 pounds, while those with a BMI of 30 or higher should gain less than 20 pounds.