Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Know what to do when ob-gyn performs c-section for twins.

Coding deliveries isn’t as easy as simply reporting a global code. Sometimes extenuating circumstances require you to choose from itemized delivery codes -- and use modifiers like 51, 59 and 22. 

Read the following four scenarios and see if your CPT® and ICD-9 codes match up with our experts’ guidance.

Scenario 1: A pregnant patient’s regular ob-gyn is out of town when the patient goes into labor. Your ob-gyn, who is not affiliated with the regular ob-gyn, performs a normal delivery. How should you report this?

Scenario 2: The nurse delivers the baby because the ob-gyn is in the next room doing a procedure on another patient. How should you report this?

Scenario 3: One of your ob-gyn’s regular patients is having twins, and your ob-gyn delivers them both vaginally. How should you report this?

Scenario 4: The ob-gyn delivers the first baby vaginally but the second by cesarean. How should you report this?

Scenario 5: The ob-gyn delivers both babies by c-section. How should you report this?

Scenario 6: During a vaginal and/or cesarean delivery, the patient has a complication. How should you report this?

Have your answers? Turn to page 44 to see how yours compare to our expert solutions.