ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP03.82

P03.82

Billable

Meconium passage during delivery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P03.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meconium passage during delivery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Meconium passage during delivery refers to the expulsion of meconium, the newborn's first stool, into the amniotic fluid during labor. This condition can occur in various scenarios, particularly when there are complications during labor and delivery, such as breech delivery, forceps delivery, or cesarean delivery. The presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid can indicate fetal distress and may lead to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), where the newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs. This can result in respiratory complications requiring immediate neonatal care. The management of meconium passage during delivery involves careful monitoring of the newborn for signs of respiratory distress and may necessitate interventions such as suctioning of the airways or supportive respiratory care in the NICU. Understanding the implications of meconium passage is crucial for ensuring optimal outcomes for affected newborns.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between meconium aspiration syndrome and other respiratory conditions
  • Documenting the specific circumstances of delivery (e.g., breech, forceps, cesarean)
  • Understanding the implications of meconium passage on neonatal care
  • Co-morbidities that may complicate the clinical picture

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of delivery complications
  • Failure to document the newborn's clinical status post-delivery
  • Misclassification of meconium aspiration syndrome versus meconium passage
  • Lack of clarity in the delivery method used

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Neonatal documentation must include details of the newborn's respiratory status, any interventions performed, and the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include a newborn presenting with respiratory distress after a meconium-stained delivery, requiring NICU admission for monitoring and potential intervention.

Billing Considerations

Neonatologists must be aware of the potential for meconium aspiration syndrome and the need for immediate airway management.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation should reflect any ongoing issues related to meconium passage, including developmental assessments and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatricians may encounter cases where a newborn with a history of meconium passage requires monitoring for long-term respiratory issues.

Billing Considerations

Pediatric coding must accurately reflect the newborn's history and any complications arising from meconium passage.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P03.82 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, P03
  • 82 should be used when meconium passage occurs during delivery, particularly when associated with complications
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and reflects the clinical scenario accurately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P03.82 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99460CPT Code

Initial hospital care, newborn

Clinical Scenario

Used for newborns requiring evaluation after meconium passage during delivery.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include details of the newborn's condition and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure thorough documentation to support the medical necessity of the care provided.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of perinatal conditions, including meconium passage. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation in neonatal care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of perinatal conditions, including meconium passage. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation in neonatal care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Guidelines for Coding and Billing

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Guidelines for Coding and Billing

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented when coding for meconium passage during delivery?

Documentation should include the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, the delivery method, any respiratory issues in the newborn, and interventions performed. This information is crucial for accurate coding and billing.