Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: I’ve heard conflicting advice on how to report jaundice under ICD-10. Can you advise?

Answer: When the ICD-10 transition takes place, you’ll turn to P59.9 (Neonatal jaundice, unspecified) when the physician documents that a patient has jaundice that isn’t due to any specific cause. If a cause is identified in the notes, you’d report that instead. For instance, if the patient’s jaundice is due to breast milk inhibitor, under ICD-10 you’d report P59.3 (Neonatal jaundice from breast milk inhibitor). However, most jaundice cases fit into the “unspecified” territory.

Documentation: As in the past, physicians must document whether a patient’s jaundice is caused by a more specific condition, but if the pediatrician simply documents “neonatal jaundice,” P59.9 will be your best option.