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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ38.8

Z38.8

Other multiple liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Z38.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other multiple liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z38.8 is used to classify other multiple liveborn infants who are not specified as to their place of birth. This code is essential for capturing the health status of infants born as part of a multiple birth, which can have significant implications for their health and the health services they may require. Factors influencing health status include maternal health, prenatal care access, and socioeconomic conditions. Social determinants such as housing stability, access to healthcare, and family support systems play a crucial role in the outcomes for these infants. Preventive care for multiple liveborn infants may include screenings for congenital conditions, developmental assessments, and immunizations. Aftercare is vital, as these infants may require specialized follow-up due to the risks associated with prematurity or low birth weight. Accurate coding of Z38.8 helps ensure that healthcare providers can track and address the unique needs of these infants effectively.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of multiple births
  • Need for specificity regarding place of birth
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions requiring additional coding
  • Variations in payer requirements for Z code usage

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of multiple births
  • Failure to specify the place of birth
  • Incorrect sequencing of codes related to multiple births
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for Z code assignment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include details of the birth, any complications, and follow-up care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups for multiple infants, screenings for developmental milestones, and immunization schedules.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of social determinants such as family support, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Population-level data collection, including birth outcomes and health service utilization.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Epidemiological studies on multiple births and preventive health initiatives.

Billing Considerations

Tracking health disparities and outcomes related to social determinants.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z38.8 When
  • Z codes are used to indicate factors influencing health status and contact with health services
  • 8 should be sequenced appropriately, often following codes for any complications or conditions related to the multiple births
  • Payer requirements may vary, so it is essential to verify specific guidelines for each insurance provider

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z38.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding multiple liveborn infants, enabling better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation. Z38.8 captures a broader category that may have previously been underreported.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding multiple liveborn infants, enabling better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation. Z38.8 captures a broader category that may have previously been underreported.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding multiple liveborn infants, enabling better tracking of health outcomes and resource allocation. Z38.8 captures a broader category that may have previously been underreported.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Multiple Births

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Multiple Births

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Z38.8 be used instead of more specific Z codes?

Z38.8 should be used when the place of birth is not specified, and no other Z code accurately describes the situation. It is essential to document all relevant details to support the use of this code.