Prematurity and Low Birth Weight ICD-10-CM codes

Category P07 has two axes that are coded together. Birth weight: P07.0- extremely low birth weight (P07.01 under 500 g, P07.02 500 to 749 g, P07.03 750 to 999 g) and P07.1- other low birth weight (P07.14 1000 to 1249 g through P07.18 2000 to 2499 g). Gestational age: P07.2- extreme immaturity under 28 weeks (P07.21 under 23 weeks through P07.26 27 weeks) and P07.3- preterm 28 to 36 weeks (P07.31 for 28 weeks through P07.39 for 36 weeks). P07.30 is preterm, weeks unspecified.

When both birth weight and gestational age are documented, assign both codes and sequence the birth weight code before the gestational age code. Assignment is based on the provider's documentation of prematurity or low birth weight, not on the coder reading a weight from the flowsheet. Per the guidelines, P07 codes may be reported throughout the patient's life whenever the prematurity or low birth weight is still affecting care.

P05 is for a newborn who is small or light for gestational age (P05.10 light for dates, P05.00 small for dates, P05.9 unspecified), which is distinct from prematurity and may be coded with P07 when both are documented. P08.21 and P08.22 are for post-term and prolonged gestation. On the birth admission Z38 (Z38.00 or Z38.01) is the principal diagnosis and P07 is secondary. Associated conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome (P22.0) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P27.1) are coded in addition.