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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP19.0

P19.0

Billable

Metabolic acidemia in newborn first noted before onset of labor

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P19.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of metabolic acidemia in newborn first noted before onset of labor.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Metabolic acidemia in newborns, particularly when first noted before the onset of labor, is a critical condition that indicates an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. This condition can arise from various factors, including maternal health issues, placental insufficiency, or fetal distress during pregnancy. The presence of metabolic acidemia suggests that the newborn may have experienced hypoxia or other stressors that could lead to significant morbidity if not addressed promptly. Clinicians must assess the newborn's blood gas levels, monitor for signs of respiratory distress, and implement appropriate interventions, such as oxygen therapy or resuscitation measures. Early identification and management are crucial to mitigate potential complications, including neurological impairment or organ dysfunction. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as it reflects the severity of the newborn's condition and the complexity of care required.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between metabolic and respiratory acidemia
  • Understanding maternal health history and its impact on the newborn
  • Interpreting laboratory results accurately
  • Documenting the timing of acidemia onset relative to labor

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal history
  • Failure to document the timing of acidemia onset
  • Misinterpretation of laboratory results
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the newborn's clinical status, including vital signs, laboratory results, and interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Newborns presenting with respiratory distress or lethargy shortly after birth, requiring immediate assessment and potential NICU admission.

Billing Considerations

Coders must be aware of the nuances in neonatal care, including the need for precise timing and clinical context in documentation.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pediatric history and physical examination findings, particularly focusing on any perinatal complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric follow-up visits for newborns with a history of metabolic acidemia, monitoring for developmental milestones and potential complications.

Billing Considerations

Pediatric coders should ensure continuity of care documentation from the neonatal period to outpatient follow-up.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P19.0 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for perinatal coding, ensuring that all documentation supports the diagnosis of metabolic acidemia and any associated conditions
  • Specific criteria for newborn assessments and interventions must be met to justify the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P19.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99460CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

Used when a newborn with metabolic acidemia requires initial evaluation and management in the hospital.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the newborn's clinical status, interventions, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure that all aspects of care are documented to support the complexity of the case.

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 metabolic acidemia. 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 metabolic acidemia. This specificity aids in better tracking of outcomes and resource allocation in neonatal care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 causes of metabolic acidemia in newborns?

Common causes include maternal diabetes, placental insufficiency, and fetal distress during labor. Each of these factors can lead to inadequate oxygenation and subsequent metabolic disturbances in the newborn.