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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO14.20

O14.20

Billable

HELLP syndrome (HELLP), unspecified trimester

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/08/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 O14.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hellp syndrome (hellp), unspecified trimester.

Key Diagnostic Point:

HELLP syndrome is a severe form of pre-eclampsia characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It typically occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, often after the 20th week, but can also manifest postpartum. The condition poses significant risks to both the mother and fetus, including potential liver rupture, placental abruption, and fetal distress. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and hypertension, alongside laboratory findings. Management often involves the administration of magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, antihypertensive medications to control blood pressure, and timely delivery of the fetus, which is the definitive treatment. The unspecified trimester designation indicates that the exact timing of the diagnosis within the pregnancy is not documented, which can complicate coding and treatment protocols.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome
  • Understanding the severity of features in pre-eclampsia
  • Managing multiple comorbidities in high-risk pregnancies
  • Navigating treatment protocols including magnesium sulfate administration

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical symptoms and lab results
  • Failure to specify the trimester of diagnosis
  • Incorrect coding of associated conditions like hypertension
  • Misunderstanding of treatment protocols and their documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of maternal symptoms, lab results, and treatment protocols is essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of a pregnant patient presenting with severe hypertension and elevated liver enzymes.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires understanding the progression of pre-eclampsia to HELLP syndrome and the associated risks.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of high-risk factors, fetal monitoring, and maternal health status is critical.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Monitoring and managing a patient with HELLP syndrome in a high-risk pregnancy setting.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of fetal outcomes and maternal health in coding and treatment decisions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O14.20 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for obstetric coding, ensuring that all clinical documentation supports the diagnosis and treatment provided during the pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O14.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, typically 30-74 minutes

Clinical Scenario

Used when admitting a patient with HELLP syndrome for management.

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the complexity of care is reflected in the documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like HELLP syndrome, improving data accuracy and clinical management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like HELLP syndrome, improving data accuracy and clinical management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like HELLP syndrome, improving data accuracy and clinical management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of coding HELLP syndrome accurately?

Accurate coding of HELLP syndrome is crucial for appropriate management, resource allocation, and understanding maternal-fetal outcomes. It also impacts billing and reimbursement processes.