A physician documented that a puerperium patient is obese, and the patient’s chart has a listed body mass index (BMI) score. Can we assign an ICD-10-CM BMI code in this instance or should this never be done for an obstetrics patient?
After much confusion, we were finally given an answer regarding reporting of BMI in pregnancy back in 2019. The guideline states “do not assign BMI codes during pregnancy.” A female of normal weight at conception that gains the recommended 25 to 35 pounds during the pregnancy will have a BMI that measures in the overweight range at the time of delivery. This is not a true reflection of the patient being overweight or having too much body fat.
-Does it mean BMI is not coded with all Obstetrics encounters (ie: Pregnancy, Puerperium)?
After much confusion, we were finally given an answer regarding reporting of BMI in pregnancy back in 2019. The guideline states “do not assign BMI codes during pregnancy.” A female of normal weight at conception that gains the recommended 25 to 35 pounds during the pregnancy will have a BMI that measures in the overweight range at the time of delivery. This is not a true reflection of the patient being overweight or having too much body fat.
-Does it mean BMI is not coded with all Obstetrics encounters (ie: Pregnancy, Puerperium)?