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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP81.8

P81.8

Billable

Other specified disturbances of temperature regulation of newborn

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P81.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified disturbances of temperature regulation of newborn.

Key Diagnostic Point:

P81.8 refers to various disturbances in temperature regulation in newborns, which can manifest as hyperthermia or other atypical temperature responses. Hyperthermia in neonates can occur due to environmental factors, such as excessive ambient temperature, or as a result of underlying medical conditions, including infections or metabolic disorders. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to temperature dysregulation due to their immature thermoregulatory systems. Clinical management often involves careful monitoring of the infant's temperature, ensuring appropriate environmental conditions, and addressing any underlying causes. Treatment may include cooling measures, hydration, and supportive care. Accurate coding of these conditions is essential for proper management and reimbursement, as well as for tracking outcomes in neonatal care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of hyperthermia.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of environmental and clinical factors.
  • Differentiation from other temperature regulation disorders.
  • Potential overlap with other ICD-10 codes related to infections or metabolic disorders.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of temperature monitoring.
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of hyperthermia.
  • Misclassification of temperature regulation disorders.
  • Lack of interdisciplinary notes on management strategies.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of temperature readings, environmental conditions, and clinical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants in NICU experiencing hyperthermia due to infection or environmental factors.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of gestational age and weight, as these factors influence thermoregulation.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history and physical examination notes, including family history of temperature regulation issues.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric patients presenting with fever and potential perinatal origins.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of developmental milestones and their impact on temperature regulation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P81.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring that all relevant clinical information is documented
  • Use additional codes to specify underlying conditions contributing to temperature dysregulation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P81.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99460CPT Code

Initial hospital care, per day, for evaluation and management of a normal newborn infant

Clinical Scenario

Used when managing a newborn with temperature regulation issues.

Documentation Requirements

Document the infant's clinical status, temperature readings, and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure comprehensive notes on temperature management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of temperature regulation disorders, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions in newborns.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of temperature regulation disorders, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions in newborns.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of temperature regulation disorders, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions in newborns.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Care Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Care Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of hyperthermia in newborns?

Common causes include environmental factors such as overheating, infections, and metabolic disorders. It is crucial to assess the infant's environment and clinical status to determine the underlying cause.