Wiki O99.344 OTHER MENTAL DISORDERS COMPLICATING CHILDBIRTH coding

[KPanzer]

Is it typical to code O99.344 as a secondary diagnosis when a patient has a history of a mental disorder (ex: anxiety) is admitted for a vaginal delivery? Home anxiety medication continued during hospital stay but no other reference to the anxiety. F41.1 is also coded for the anxiety diagnosis.

 

[CBLENNIE]

Is the patient's anxiety complicating the childbirth in some way, or does she merely have anxiety that she received medication for to maintain her treatment regimen?

I wouldn't code O99.344 if it isn't complicating her giving birth since the code specifically states that the mental health condition that is complicating the management of the obstetric patient.

 

[KPanzer]

Is the patient's anxiety complicating the childbirth in some way, or does she merely have anxiety that she received medication for to maintain her treatment regimen?

I wouldn't code O99.344 if it isn't complicating her giving birth since the code specifically states that the mental health condition that is complicating the management of the obstetric patient.

There is no documentation indicating this condition complicated the delivery (or worsened as a result of the child birthing process). Just her home meds were continued. And mom and baby were discharged in an appropriate timeframe for a vaginal delivery. I had the same thoughts as you, but I was noticing this coded in a few claims I was reviewing with similar scenarios and due to the trend started to question. I appreciate your time and input!