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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP38.1

P38.1

Billable

Omphalitis with mild hemorrhage

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P38.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of omphalitis with mild hemorrhage.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical stump that occurs in newborns, typically within the first week of life. It is characterized by inflammation, redness, and sometimes discharge from the umbilical area. In cases classified under P38.1, the infection is accompanied by mild hemorrhage, which may present as slight bleeding from the umbilical site. This condition can arise from various factors, including poor hygiene during cord care, exposure to pathogens, or complications during delivery. Omphalitis can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, including sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Treatment usually involves local care of the umbilical stump, antibiotic therapy, and monitoring for systemic signs of infection. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent progression to more severe infections. Coders must ensure accurate documentation of the clinical presentation and any associated complications to support the use of this specific code.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between mild and severe cases of omphalitis.
  • Documenting associated symptoms and complications accurately.
  • Understanding the nuances of neonatal infection management.
  • Variability in clinical presentation among different newborns.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the severity of the infection.
  • Misclassification of omphalitis as a more severe condition.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the clinical presentation, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Newborns presenting with umbilical redness and discharge in the NICU.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the newborn's gestational age and overall health status.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination findings related to the umbilical infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Outpatient follow-up for a newborn with a history of omphalitis.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring for potential long-term effects of the infection.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P38.1 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding infections in newborns, ensuring that all relevant clinical details are captured
  • Specific criteria for omphalitis, including the presence of hemorrhage, must be documented to justify the use of P38

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P38.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99291CPT Code

Critical care, evaluation and management of the neonate

Clinical Scenario

Used when a newborn with omphalitis requires critical care due to complications.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the critical care provided.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists must document the severity of the condition and interventions performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal conditions, including omphalitis. This specificity aids in better tracking of infection rates and outcomes in newborns, ultimately improving care quality.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal conditions, including omphalitis. This specificity aids in better tracking of infection rates and outcomes in newborns, ultimately improving care quality.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines for Umbilical Cord Care

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines for Umbilical Cord Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common signs of omphalitis in newborns?

Common signs include redness, swelling, discharge from the umbilical stump, and in some cases, mild bleeding. Parents should monitor for any signs of infection and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.