ICD-10-CM Insights: A Closer Look at OB and Newborn Diagnosis Coding

ICD-10-CM Insights: A Closer Look at OB and Newborn Diagnosis Coding

Maternal and newborn health are closely interconnected, and accurate diagnosis coding in obstetrics and neonatology plays a crucial role in ensuring appropriate care, reporting, and reimbursement. YES HIM Consulting’s Refresh With YES: CM OB and NB Additional Case Studies learning series offers a focused review of complex coding scenarios that involve both mother and baby. This one-hour, three-part educational series examines conditions that are linked through fetal-maternal relationships, including hemolytic disease, neonatal infections, and prenatal ultrasound findings. It is offers 1 CEU Certificate, which can be used toward 1 AAPC CEU and 1 AHIMA CEU.

This learning path is designed for coders, auditors, and clinical documentation specialists who want to deepen their understanding of obstetrical and newborn diagnosis coding and apply it confidently using ICD-10-CM guidelines.

Learning Objectives

newborn coding

Participants in this learning series will:

  • Define ABO and Rh Incompatibility and understand their implications in newborns
  • Describe the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) and its clinical relevance
  • Apply ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for ABO/Rh incompatibility and the DAT test
  • Identify and define Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and explore its impact on newborn health
  • Discuss prevention strategies, signs, and symptoms of GBS infection in newborns
  • Review proper ICD-10-CM code assignment for newborns affected by GBS
  • Understand fetal ultrasound documentation and coding
  • Apply ICD-10-CM Category Z36 and related guidelines
  • Evaluate official coding guidance and real-world documentation issues
  • Practice OB and newborn coding through clinical case examples

Course 1: CM Newborn Conditions – Hemolysis and Direct Coombs Test

This course examines hemolytic disease of the newborn, particularly related to ABO and Rh incompatibility, conditions that arise when the mother’s blood type is incompatible with her baby’s. These incompatibilities can lead to hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) in the newborn.

One important diagnostic tool discussed is the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT), also known as the Direct Coombs Test, which helps confirm the presence of antibodies attached to red blood cells, which is a key indicator of hemolytic disease.

This course covers:

  • How to identify and code for ABO and Rh incompatibility
  • When to assign codes from ICD-10-CM categories such as P55 (Hemolytic disease of newborn)
  • The relationship between test results and code selection

Course 2: CM Newborn Affected by Positive Group B Streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.

This course focuses on:

  • Defining GBS and understanding its effects on neonates
  • Signs and symptoms of GBS infection in newborns, such as fever, lethargy, or breathing problems
  • Prevention strategies, including maternal screening and antibiotics
  • ICD-10-CM coding for P36.0 (Sepsis of newborn due to streptococcus, group B) and other relevant codes
  • How to apply guidelines for documenting and coding infectious conditions in newborns

This module ensures coders understand how to accurately reflect the presence and severity of GBS in newborn coding scenarios.

Course 3: CM OB Diagnosis Coding for Fetal Ultrasound and Certain Conditions

Prenatal care often involves fetal ultrasound to monitor development and detect anomalies.

This course discusses:

  • The clinical and documentation components of fetal ultrasound findings
  • How to apply ICD-10-CM Category Z36 (Encounter for antenatal screening of mother) and related codes
  • Guidance from Official Coding Guidelines and Coding Clinic publications
  • Payment and documentation issues that impact code selection and audit readiness
  • Case-based coding practice that helps apply guidelines in real-world scenarios

Why This Series Matters

Coding in obstetrics and neonatology demands a nuanced understanding of both clinical presentation and official guidance. The CM OB and NB Additional Case Studies learning path gives professionals the tools to confidently navigate complex coding cases, reduce denials, and support accurate reimbursement.

Whether you’re brushing up on current knowledge or deepening your specialty coding skills, this one-hour series delivers practical insights and hands-on experience.

For more guidance on OB and NB coding, enroll in these additional series:

Need obstetrical and newborn coding training for your corporate team? Check out our coding education and training programs that have successfully educated over 10,000 HIM professionals.

YES HIM Consulting

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