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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP24.81

P24.81

Billable

Other neonatal aspiration with respiratory symptoms

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P24.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other neonatal aspiration with respiratory symptoms.

Key Diagnostic Point:

P24.81 refers to a condition in neonates characterized by the aspiration of foreign substances into the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms. This can occur due to various factors, including meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), where the newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs during or before delivery. Milk aspiration can also occur, particularly in premature infants or those with feeding difficulties, where milk enters the airway instead of the esophagus. The clinical presentation may include respiratory distress, tachypnea, grunting, and cyanosis. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and sometimes bronchoscopy to evaluate the airway. Management may include supportive care, oxygen therapy, and in some cases, mechanical ventilation. Understanding the nuances of aspiration syndromes is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate management in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of aspiration (meconium vs. milk vs. other substances)
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for detailed documentation to support coding
  • Potential for co-existing respiratory conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type of aspiration
  • Failure to document the severity of respiratory symptoms
  • Misclassification of aspiration type leading to incorrect coding
  • Lack of clarity on the timing of aspiration relative to delivery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the infant's respiratory status, feeding history, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with respiratory distress shortly after birth, particularly those born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of gestational age and birth weight, as these factors can influence the risk and management of aspiration syndromes.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of any ongoing respiratory issues and feeding difficulties in the pediatric follow-up.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric patients with a history of neonatal aspiration presenting with recurrent respiratory infections or feeding challenges.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of developmental milestones and potential long-term effects of aspiration on respiratory health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P24.81 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding respiratory conditions in neonates, ensuring specificity in documenting the type of aspiration and associated symptoms
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture any underlying conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P24.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

94640CPT Code

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation

Clinical Scenario

Used for infants with respiratory distress due to aspiration.

Documentation Requirements

Document the need for CPAP and the infant's response to treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure that the rationale for CPAP use is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal aspiration syndromes, improving the ability to capture the nuances of these conditions and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal aspiration syndromes, improving the ability to capture the nuances of these conditions and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal aspiration syndromes, improving the ability to capture the nuances of these conditions and their management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Coding Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Coding Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of neonatal aspiration?

Common causes of neonatal aspiration include meconium aspiration during delivery, aspiration of amniotic fluid, and milk aspiration during feeding, particularly in premature infants or those with feeding difficulties.