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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesArrest Of Descent

Arrest Of Descent

ICD-10 Coding for Arrest of Descent(O62.1, O62.9)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYObstetrics
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Arrest Of Descent?
Essential facts and insights about Arrest of Descent

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Prolonged second stage of labor with no progress in descent despite adequate uterine contractions.
  • Presence of fetal heart rate abnormalities indicating distress.
  • Physical examination may reveal a fully dilated cervix with the fetal head engaged but not descending.
  • Ultrasound may show fetal position and engagement status.
  • Severity is often assessed based on the duration of the arrest and maternal and fetal condition.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document the duration of the second stage of labor and any interventions attempted.
  • Use specific terminology such as 'arrest of descent' or 'failure to progress'.
  • Examples include noting the time of full dilation and the time of intervention.
  • Medical necessity must be documented, especially if surgical intervention is required.
  • Quality measures may include monitoring maternal and fetal heart rates during labor.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use O62.1 for specific cases of arrest of descent; O62.9 for unspecified cases.
  • Do not use these codes for conditions like fetal malpresentation or maternal pelvic abnormalities.
  • Compare with O63 (Obstructed labor) which may involve different clinical scenarios.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the stage of labor or failing to document the duration.
  • In complex cases, ensure to document all contributing factors to support code selection.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes conditions like fetal malpresentation (e.g., breech) or uterine abnormalities.
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include O32 (Maternal care for known or suspected fetal abnormality).
  • Conditions are excluded due to differing management and clinical implications.
  • Common mistakes include misidentifying the cause of labor arrest.
  • Related but distinct conditions include prolonged labor without arrest.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
O62.1
Arrest of descent of fetus
O62.9
Unspecified arrest of labor
Ancillary Codes
O63.1
O62.1
if the second stage exceeds 4 hours (nulliparous) or 3 hours (parous) with epidural.
Differential Codes
O33.5

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Obstetrics

Specialty Applications

  • Applies to laboring patients experiencing prolonged second stage.
  • Patient populations include pregnant individuals, typically in the third trimester.
  • Clinical settings include labor and delivery units, both inpatient and outpatient.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in obstetrics and gynecology.
  • Treatment contexts include vaginal delivery attempts and potential cesarean sections.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with arrest of descent based on prolonged second stage of labor.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with arrest of descent including lack of fetal descent.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria met as evidenced by fetal heart rate abnormalities and prolonged labor.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for arrest of descent with consideration for cesarean delivery.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for arrest of descent including monitoring maternal and fetal status.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Document the duration of labor stages, fetal heart rate patterns, and any interventions.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Arrest of descent specifically refers to lack of progress in descent, unlike general labor dystocia.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the complexity of the case for appropriate reimbursement.

What procedures are typically associated?

CPT codes for labor management, potential cesarean delivery, and fetal monitoring.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include monitoring labor progress and maternal-fetal outcomes.