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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP52.5

P52.5

Billable

Subarachnoid (nontraumatic) hemorrhage of newborn

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

Code Description

ICD-10 P52.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of subarachnoid (nontraumatic) hemorrhage of newborn.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in newborns is a serious condition characterized by bleeding into the subarachnoid space, which is the area between the brain and the tissues covering it. This condition is typically nontraumatic and can occur due to various factors, including vascular malformations, birth asphyxia, or coagulopathies. Clinically, it may present with symptoms such as seizures, altered consciousness, or signs of increased intracranial pressure. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies like cranial ultrasound or MRI. The management of SAH in neonates requires careful monitoring and may involve supportive care, management of intracranial pressure, and addressing any underlying causes. The prognosis can vary significantly based on the severity of the hemorrhage and the presence of associated conditions, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is common in premature infants and can complicate the clinical picture.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between traumatic and nontraumatic causes of hemorrhage
  • Understanding the relationship between SAH and other intracranial hemorrhages
  • Need for precise documentation of clinical findings and imaging results
  • Variability in presentation based on gestational age and underlying conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical symptoms and imaging findings
  • Misclassification of hemorrhage type (traumatic vs. nontraumatic)
  • Failure to document associated conditions such as IVH
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different healthcare settings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of neurological assessments, imaging results, and treatment plans is essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include premature infants presenting with seizures or altered consciousness due to SAH.

Billing Considerations

Neonatologists must be aware of the potential for co-occurring conditions like IVH and their implications for coding.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation should include developmental assessments and follow-up care plans for infants with SAH.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatricians may encounter cases of SAH in older infants with a history of prematurity or other risk factors.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of long-term developmental outcomes and potential referrals to specialists is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P52.5 When
  • Coders should adhere to official ICD
  • 10 guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the clinical scenario, imaging results, and any associated conditions
  • Specific criteria for neonatal coding must be followed, including gestational age considerations and the clinical context of the hemorrhage

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P52.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT 76801CPT Code

Ultrasound, cranial, infant

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate for intracranial hemorrhage in a newborn presenting with neurological symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the ultrasound, findings, and any follow-up plans.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure that the ultrasound findings are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal conditions, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, which enhances the ability to track and manage these cases effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of neonatal hemorrhagic conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal conditions, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, which enhances the ability to track and manage these cases effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of neonatal hemorrhagic conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal conditions, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, which enhances the ability to track and manage these cases effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of neonatal hemorrhagic conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Coding Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Neonatal Coding Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage in newborns?

Common causes include vascular malformations, birth asphyxia, and coagulopathies. It is essential to evaluate the infant's history and clinical presentation to determine the underlying cause.