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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO26.649

O26.649

Billable

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, unspecified trimester

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

Code Description

ICD-10 O26.649 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, unspecified trimester.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by intense itching and elevated bile acids in the maternal bloodstream. It typically presents in the second or third trimester but can occur at any point during pregnancy. The condition is thought to be related to hormonal changes and genetic predisposition, leading to impaired bile flow. Maternal symptoms include pruritus, particularly on the palms and soles, and potential complications for the fetus, including preterm birth and fetal distress. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests showing elevated serum bile acids and liver function tests. Management often involves monitoring maternal and fetal well-being, and in some cases, early delivery may be indicated to reduce risks associated with prolonged cholestasis. Understanding the implications of ICP is crucial for obstetric care providers to ensure both maternal and fetal health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and symptoms across patients
  • Need for comprehensive liver function testing
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other pregnancy-related conditions
  • Management decisions may vary based on trimester and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and laboratory results
  • Failure to specify the trimester of diagnosis
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on maternal and fetal outcomes
  • Misclassification of the condition with other liver disorders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of maternal symptoms, laboratory results, and management plans is essential. Providers should note the timing of symptoms and any interventions taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe itching in the third trimester, elevated bile acids, and management decisions regarding delivery timing.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the potential for fetal complications and the need for multidisciplinary care involving maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

High-risk pregnancy documentation must include detailed monitoring of both maternal liver function and fetal well-being, including ultrasound assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of a patient with ICP requiring close monitoring for signs of fetal distress or preterm labor.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with obstetricians for timely interventions and potential early delivery based on maternal and fetal health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O26.649 When
  • 10 coding guidelines for obstetric conditions emphasize the importance of specifying the trimester and documenting all relevant clinical findings
  • Accurate coding requires understanding the implications of the condition on both maternal and fetal health

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O26.649 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for routine follow-up visits for patients diagnosed with ICP.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of symptoms, laboratory results, and management plans.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure comprehensive documentation to support the visit level.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetric conditions, including intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetric conditions, including intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Common symptoms include intense itching, particularly on the palms and soles, and jaundice in some cases. Elevated bile acids and liver enzymes are key diagnostic indicators.