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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesO26.00

O26.00

Billable

Excessive weight gain in pregnancy, unspecified trimester

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

Code Description

ICD-10 O26.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of excessive weight gain in pregnancy, unspecified trimester.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is a condition that can complicate maternal and fetal health. It is defined as weight gain that exceeds the recommended guidelines set forth by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which vary based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). This condition can lead to various complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and increased risk of cesarean delivery. Maternal care for patients with excessive weight gain requires careful monitoring and management, particularly in the context of other complicating conditions such as renal, cardiac, and respiratory issues. For instance, women with pre-existing cardiac conditions may experience exacerbated symptoms due to excessive weight gain, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to care. Additionally, renal complications can arise from fluid retention associated with excessive weight gain, while respiratory issues may be aggravated by increased abdominal pressure. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to assess and document the extent of weight gain and its implications on the overall health of both mother and fetus throughout the pregnancy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in weight gain recommendations based on pre-pregnancy BMI.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of maternal health conditions.
  • Potential overlap with other pregnancy-related codes (e.g., gestational diabetes).
  • Involvement of multiple specialties in managing complications.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of weight gain specifics.
  • Failure to link excessive weight gain to maternal complications.
  • Misclassification of weight gain as normal when it exceeds guidelines.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on management strategies.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of weight gain, maternal health assessments, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine prenatal visits where weight gain is monitored, and discussions about diet and exercise are held.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of cultural factors influencing weight gain and dietary habits.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of high-risk factors, including pre-existing conditions and their management.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of pregnancies complicated by obesity, gestational diabetes, or hypertension.

Billing Considerations

Close monitoring of fetal growth and maternal health status.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use O26.00 When
  • Coders should adhere to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific circumstances of the patient's pregnancy and any associated complications
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis of excessive weight gain and its impact on maternal and fetal health

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use O26.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

59400CPT Code

Obstetrical care, including antepartum care, delivery, and postpartum care

Clinical Scenario

Used for comprehensive obstetric care in patients with excessive weight gain.

Documentation Requirements

Complete records of prenatal visits, weight monitoring, and management plans.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should document any complications arising from excessive weight gain.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of excessive weight gain in pregnancy, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. It has also enhanced the granularity of data for research and quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of excessive weight gain in pregnancy, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. It has also enhanced the granularity of data for research and quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of excessive weight gain in pregnancy, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. It has also enhanced the granularity of data for research and quality improvement initiatives.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Institute of Medicine Weight Gain Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Institute of Medicine Weight Gain Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes excessive weight gain during pregnancy?

Excessive weight gain is defined as weight gain that exceeds the recommendations set by the Institute of Medicine, which vary based on the mother's pre-pregnancy BMI. For example, women with a normal BMI should gain between 25-35 pounds, while those with a BMI of 30 or higher should gain less.