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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 16: Certain conditions originating in the perinatal periodP13

P13

Billable

Birth injury to skeleton

Chapter 16:Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of birth injury to skeleton.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Birth injuries to the skeleton can occur during the delivery process, often resulting from mechanical forces exerted on the newborn. These injuries may include fractures of the skull, clavicle, and other bones. Skull fractures can occur due to the pressure of the birth canal or the use of instruments such as forceps. Clavicular fractures are among the most common birth injuries, typically resulting from shoulder dystocia or excessive lateral traction during delivery. Other skeletal injuries may involve the long bones, ribs, or vertebrae, although these are less common. The clinical presentation of these injuries can vary, with symptoms ranging from localized swelling and tenderness to more severe complications such as respiratory distress in cases of rib fractures. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. Management typically involves supportive care, with most fractures healing without intervention. However, close monitoring is essential to ensure proper recovery and to address any potential complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of injuries
  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Differentiation from other neonatal conditions
  • Potential for multiple fractures requiring detailed coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the type of fracture
  • Misclassification of injury severity
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the delivery process, including any complications and interventions used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractured clavicle due to shoulder dystocia, skull fracture from vacuum extraction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of multiple fractures and associated conditions.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination findings, including any developmental concerns.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Follow-up care for a newborn with a clavicular fracture.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of long-term outcomes and potential developmental delays.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P13 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding birth injuries, ensuring specificity in the type of fracture and associated conditions
  • Documentation must clearly outline the circumstances of the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P13 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99460CPT Code

Initial hospital care, per day, for evaluation and management of a normal newborn

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with P13 for newborns with birth injuries requiring monitoring.

Documentation Requirements

Document the newborn's condition and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure thorough documentation of the injury and its management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, improving the ability to capture the nuances of neonatal conditions and enhancing data accuracy for research and quality improvement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, improving the ability to capture the nuances of neonatal conditions and enhancing data accuracy for research and quality improvement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of birth injuries, improving the ability to capture the nuances of neonatal conditions and enhancing data accuracy for research and quality improvement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common types of birth injuries to the skeleton?

Common types of birth injuries include fractures of the skull, clavicle, and occasionally other bones. These injuries often result from mechanical forces during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia or the use of obstetric instruments.