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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Reporting 760.76 for Mother Is OK

Published on Tue Mar 30, 2004

Question: Which diagnosis code can we use for a pregnant patient who was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a fetus? Diagnosis code 760.76 is not for the mother's claim, only the baby's. The doctor does not state in the chart that the DES exposure is complicating the pregnancy.

Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: Although you may believe that 760.76 (Noxious influences affecting fetus via placenta or breast milk; diethylstilbestrol [DES]) applies only to the fetus' health, this is not the case. In fact, it is correct for the mother's claim.

Code 760.76, when used for the mother's claim, properly indicates her condition because she was exposed to DES while she was a fetus. In fact, ICD-9 added 760.76 to describe this condition in the adult woman. Because the condition is not complicating the current pregnancy, you would not assign a code from the obstetric chapter of the ICD-9 manual in addition.
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