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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP14.9

P14.9

Billable

Birth injury to peripheral nervous system, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 P14.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of birth injury to peripheral nervous system, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Birth injuries to the peripheral nervous system can occur during the delivery process, often resulting from mechanical trauma. These injuries may affect various nerves, leading to conditions such as brachial plexus injury or phrenic nerve paralysis. Brachial plexus injuries typically result from excessive lateral traction on the head during delivery, causing weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Phrenic nerve paralysis can lead to respiratory difficulties due to diaphragm dysfunction. The severity of these injuries can vary widely, from transient weakness to permanent impairment. Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes. Management may include physical therapy, surgical intervention, or supportive care, depending on the severity and specific nerve involvement. Given the potential for long-term consequences, careful monitoring and follow-up are essential in the neonatal period.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of delivery circumstances
  • Differentiation between types of nerve injuries
  • Potential for co-existing conditions requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the delivery process
  • Failure to specify the type of nerve injury
  • Misclassification of severity or type of injury
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of the birth process, including any complications during delivery, and specific assessments of neurological function in the newborn.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A newborn presents with an arm that is weak or not moving post-delivery, requiring evaluation for brachial plexus injury.

Billing Considerations

Neonatologists must ensure that all relevant clinical findings are documented to support the coding of peripheral nerve injuries.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of developmental milestones and any ongoing therapy or interventions related to the birth injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A pediatric follow-up visit for a child with a history of phrenic nerve paralysis, assessing respiratory function and developmental progress.

Billing Considerations

Pediatricians should be aware of the long-term implications of birth injuries and ensure continuity of care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P14.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring that all relevant clinical information is captured
  • Specific criteria for documenting birth injuries must be adhered to, including the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P14.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99291CPT Code

Critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill newborn

Clinical Scenario

Used when a newborn with a birth injury requires intensive monitoring and intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the newborn's condition, interventions performed, and response to treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists must ensure that all critical care services are well-documented to support billing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. However, it has also increased the complexity of coding due to the need for detailed documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. However, it has also increased the complexity of coding due to the need for detailed documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. However, it has also increased the complexity of coding due to the need for detailed documentation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Coding for Neonatal Care

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Coding for Neonatal Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of birth injuries to the peripheral nervous system?

Common causes include excessive traction during delivery, shoulder dystocia, and improper positioning of the fetus during labor. These factors can lead to injuries such as brachial plexus injury or phrenic nerve paralysis.