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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP19.9

P19.9

Billable

Metabolic acidemia in newborn, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P19.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of metabolic acidemia in newborn, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Metabolic acidemia in newborns refers to a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the blood, which can occur due to various factors during the perinatal period. This condition is often a result of inadequate oxygenation during labor and delivery, leading to a buildup of lactic acid. It can also arise from maternal conditions such as diabetes or renal failure. Newborns with metabolic acidemia may present with symptoms such as lethargy, poor feeding, and respiratory distress. The diagnosis is typically made through arterial blood gas analysis, which reveals low pH and elevated levels of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. Management of metabolic acidemia may involve supportive care, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and correction of underlying metabolic disturbances. It is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor these infants closely, as untreated metabolic acidemia can lead to severe complications, including neurological damage and multi-organ failure.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for precise documentation of maternal and neonatal history
  • Differentiation from other acid-base disorders
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that complicate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of acidemia
  • Misclassification of metabolic acidemia as respiratory acidemia
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different healthcare settings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of blood gas analyses, clinical assessments, and treatment plans are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborns presenting with respiratory distress or lethargy shortly after birth, often requiring NICU admission for monitoring and treatment.

Billing Considerations

Coders must ensure that all relevant maternal health factors are documented, as they can significantly impact the newborn's condition.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation should include growth parameters, developmental assessments, and any ongoing management for metabolic conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric cases may involve follow-up for infants discharged from the NICU with a history of metabolic acidemia, requiring careful monitoring for developmental delays.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of long-term outcomes and potential complications is crucial for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P19.9 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring that all documentation supports the diagnosis of metabolic acidemia and any related conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P19.9 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

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include clinical findings, treatment plans, and any interventions performed.

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 metabolic acidemia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of neonatal care and the complexity of conditions encountered in newborns.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic acidemia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of neonatal care and the complexity of conditions encountered in newborns.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 perinatal asphyxia, maternal diabetes, and renal failure. Each case requires careful evaluation to determine the underlying factors contributing to the acidemia.