Pediatric Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Contraception Diagnosis Code Depends on Specifics

Question: One of our practitioners discussed sexual activity and contraception with an adolescent. Which ICD-9 codes are appropriate for this encounter?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: The answer depends on the specifics of your discussion, but in general, the V25.xx codes (Encounter for contraceptive management) deal with counseling about various forms of contraception. For instance, you'll report V25.01 (Prescription of oral contraceptives) if the pediatrician prescribes a birth control pill.

In addition, codes such as V65.44 (Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] counseling) and V65.45 (Counseling on other sexually transmitted diseases) may be appropriate, depending on the discussion provided and documented by the physician.