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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO23.0

O23.0

Billable

Infections of kidney in pregnancy

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

Code Description

ICD-10 O23.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of infections of kidney in pregnancy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Infections of the kidney during pregnancy, commonly referred to as pyelonephritis, can pose significant risks to both the mother and fetus. These infections often arise from untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can lead to serious complications such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal sepsis. Symptoms may include fever, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis typically involves urinalysis, urine culture, and imaging studies if necessary. Treatment usually includes antibiotics that are safe for use during pregnancy, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, while avoiding those that may pose risks to fetal development. Close monitoring and follow-up are essential to ensure resolution of the infection and to mitigate risks associated with pregnancy. Proper coding of this condition is crucial for accurate billing and to reflect the complexity of care provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic infections
  • Identifying the severity of the infection
  • Understanding the implications of antibiotic safety in pregnancy
  • Documenting associated complications or comorbidities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Failure to specify the type of infection (acute vs. chronic)
  • Misuse of antibiotic safety information
  • Inaccurate coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans is essential. Include any relevant history of UTIs or kidney issues.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A pregnant patient presenting with fever and flank pain, diagnosed with pyelonephritis and treated with antibiotics.

Billing Considerations

Consider the gestational age and any potential impact on the fetus when coding and documenting.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

High-risk pregnancy documentation must include comprehensive assessments of maternal and fetal health, including any complications arising from the infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A high-risk pregnant patient with a history of recurrent UTIs presenting with acute pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the management of both maternal and fetal health, including monitoring for preterm labor.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O23.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for obstetric coding, ensuring that the condition is documented as occurring during pregnancy
  • Include any relevant trimester information and associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O23.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, typically for a patient with pyelonephritis

Clinical Scenario

Used when a pregnant patient is admitted for treatment of a kidney infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure that all aspects of maternal and fetal health are addressed in documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetric conditions, including infections of the kidney, which enhances the ability to track and manage maternal health outcomes effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetric conditions, including infections of the kidney, which enhances the ability to track and manage maternal health outcomes effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of obstetric conditions, including infections of the kidney, which enhances the ability to track and manage maternal health outcomes effectively.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines for Antibiotic Use in Pregnancy

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines for Antibiotic Use in Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common antibiotics used to treat kidney infections in pregnant patients?

Commonly used antibiotics include penicillins (like amoxicillin) and cephalosporins (like ceftriaxone), which are considered safe during pregnancy. Avoid using tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones due to potential risks to fetal development.