Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Stick to 646.83 for Perceived Leaking

Published on Fri Feb 27, 2004

Question: An ob patient presented to the office believing her amniotic fluid was leaking. It wasn't. Which diagnosis code should I use for this?

South Dakota Subscriber Answer: The best answer in this case is 646.83 (Other specified complications of pregnancy, antepartum condition or complication). Some coders might want to use V71.89 (Other specified suspected conditions) or V65.5 (Person with feared complaint in whom no diagnosis was made), but 646.83 is more specific to the situation.

If the ob-gyn had examined the patient and found that her membranes had ruptured, you could report 658.1x (Premature rupture of membranes) if she delivers within 24 hours or 658.2x (Delayed delivery after spontaneous or unspecified rupture of membranes) if delivery is more than 24 hours after the rupture.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

View All