Convulsions of newborn
In Other disorders originating in the perinatal period (P90-P96), chapter 16: Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period
- P90 is billable and valid on claims for FY 2027. If the record has more detail, check the other codes under P90-P96 below.
- As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication), which can raise the MS-DRG payment. It doesn't count when the principal diagnosis is one of 25 closely related codes.
- Counts toward HCC 201 (Seizure Disorders and Convulsions) in the Medicare Advantage risk model (CMS-HCC V28).
- AHRQ's Chronic Condition Indicator classes it as not chronic (an acute or short-term condition).
- 12 US deaths in 2024 had an underlying cause in category P90, per the National Vital Statistics System on CDC WONDER. Death records use WHO ICD-10, so the count is for the whole category.
Also indexed as: Convulsions, infantile; Convulsions, newborn; Fit, newborn; Newborn, convulsion; Newborn, seizure; Seizure, newborn
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Instructional notes
Official coding guidelines
From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.
Coding of conditions that originate from before birth through the 28th day after birth, including newborn record rules, prematurity, low birth weight, sepsis, and stillbirth.
- General Perinatal Rules (page 71)
- Observation and Evaluation of Newborns for Suspected Conditions not Found (page 73)
- Coding Additional Perinatal Diagnoses (page 73)
- Prematurity and Fetal Growth Retardation (page 73)
- Low birth weight and immaturity status (page 74)
- Bacterial Sepsis of Newborn (page 74)
- Stillbirth (page 74)
- COVID-19 Infection in Newborn (page 74)
Other codes under P90-P96
Other disorders originating in the perinatal period (P90-P96)
P90 MS-DRGs
As the principal diagnosis, P90 groups to MS-DRG 791 or 793 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.
Related conditions
Grouped by AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software Refined (CCSR), which sorts every diagnosis code into clinically meaningful categories.
P90 is in Neonatal cerebral disorders (PNL004, its default category), with 19 codes. Others in it:
- P91.0 Neonatal cerebral ischemia
- P91.1 Acquired periventricular cysts of newborn
- P91.2 Neonatal cerebral leukomalacia
- P91.3 Neonatal cerebral irritability
- P91.4 Neonatal cerebral depression
- P91.5 Neonatal coma
- P91.60 Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [HIE], unspecified
- P91.61 Mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy [HIE]
Medicare coverage articles listing P90
This Medicare billing and coding article lists P90 as a diagnosis that supports medical necessity for the services they cover. From the CMS Medicare Coverage Database; check your own contractor's article before billing.
Other codes that refer to P90
Notes on these codes point to P90.
About the condition
Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.
Seizures
Seizures are symptoms of a brain problem. They happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When people think of seizures, they often think of convulsions in which a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. Not all seizures cause convulsions. There are many types of seizures and some have mild symptoms. Seizures fall into two main groups. Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, happen in just one part of the brain. Generalized seizures are a result of abnormal activity on both sides of the brain.
Read more about seizures on MedlinePlusUncommon Infant and Newborn Problems
It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby's health, call your health care provider right away.
Read more about uncommon infant and newborn problems on MedlinePlusCode history
Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.
ICD-9-CM equivalent
Legacy crosswalk from the CMS General Equivalence Mappings (last updated 2018).
- 779.0 Convulsions in newborn