Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

How should "meconium passage" be coded when documented by a provider?

1. P96.83

2. P03.82

3. P24.00

4. No code assigned due to lack of clinical significance

The correct answer is: P03.82

The correct coding for "meconium passage" is P96.83, which specifically refers to "other conditions originating in the perinatal period." This code captures situations where meconium has been passed, along with the associated clinical significance of potential complications that can arise from this event, such as meconium aspiration syndrome. The option P03.82 pertains to "newborn affected by meconium aspiration," which is relevant when an infant has inhaled meconium during the birthing process and is experiencing associated respiratory issues or other complications. If "meconium passage" is documented alone without any indication of complications or effects on the newborn, using P03.82 would not accurately represent the clinical situation since it suggests a diagnosis rather than a simple observation. Coding P24.00 corresponds to "neonatal respiratory distress syndrome," which is a different condition from the mere passage of meconium, as it reflects respiratory issues that require specific treatment and evaluation. Choosing "no code assigned due to lack of clinical significance" is not appropriate when the term "meconium passage" is documented, as this is a recognized clinical observation that can hold significance for neonatal care and monitoring. In summary, the appropriate choice of code should