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Wiki induction 20 wk demise
- Thread starter swiedner7
- Start date
kendrahawkins
Contributor
I would code 59400 w/ 52 modifier at 20 weeks! 
kendrahawkins
Contributor
isn't 59855 for induced abortion? Wasn't the fetus already dead before induction? if the fetus is less than 20 weeks and 0 days I thought you can bill a delivery?
kathyvl74
Networker
if it's a known fetal demise, you can not bill an induced abortion code. Since she is 20 weeks, you can bill a delivery code. I typically bill delivery with postpartum care only and then the prenatal visits. Because usually at 20 weeks there has only been maybe 3 or 4 visits.
My understanding is that for less than 20 weeks, you can not bill delivery code, only hospital visit
My understanding is that for less than 20 weeks, you can not bill delivery code, only hospital visit
Induction 20 wk demise
According to ACOG, a missed abortion or early fetal death is up to and including 20 weeks. You do not use a delivery code--not that you can't if the payor accepts it, but the MORE correct coding is 59855. Cytotec(vaginal supp.)were used to induce labor and the expulsion of the dead fetus(baby). Delivery codes are used after 20 weeks. I am only giving you the correct coding according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Many insurances go by ACOG guidelines so thought you should know.
Having said that, if the 20 wk(or earlier) baby is delivered and lives for only the briefest moment, it would be considered a live birth and then you could use your delivery code. In this case the baby was known to be deceased and so delivery code would not be used as it was technically the 'induced abortion' of a dead fetus.
According to ACOG, a missed abortion or early fetal death is up to and including 20 weeks. You do not use a delivery code--not that you can't if the payor accepts it, but the MORE correct coding is 59855. Cytotec(vaginal supp.)were used to induce labor and the expulsion of the dead fetus(baby). Delivery codes are used after 20 weeks. I am only giving you the correct coding according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Many insurances go by ACOG guidelines so thought you should know.
Having said that, if the 20 wk(or earlier) baby is delivered and lives for only the briefest moment, it would be considered a live birth and then you could use your delivery code. In this case the baby was known to be deceased and so delivery code would not be used as it was technically the 'induced abortion' of a dead fetus.
kendrahawkins
Contributor
That's what I thought. If it was an IUFD and before 20 weeks, it's a missed ab right? and then if its and IUFD at (say) 35 weeks it's a delivery. But an ELECTIVE abortion is the induced abortion code?