Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: What is the correct code for induction of labor?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Induction of labor is included as part of the global package. This has been published widely by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the AMA coding staff. The reason for this is that most inductions involve IV oxytocin that is not started by the physician, and although monitoring may be required by the hospital, how the physician elects to get the baby delivered is included in global. This also applies to the insertion of a Prostin gel (59200, insertion of cervical dilator [e.g., laminaria, prostaglandin]) when inserted less than 24 hours prior to delivery.