2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code P38Omphalitis of newborn

ICD-10-CM Codes›P00–P96›P35-P39›P38

ICD-10-CM P38
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

P38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for omphalitis of newborn, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as P38.1 and P38.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
P38
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Omphalitis of newborn
Short Description
Omphalitis of newborn
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
P35-P39
Infections specific to the perinatal period

Code Classification

ChapterP00–P96Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
SectionP35-P39Infections specific to the perinatal period
CategoryP38Omphalitis of newborn
This CodeP38Omphalitis of newborn

Specific Coding for Omphalitis of newbornOverview

Non-specific codes like P38 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use P38.1 for Omphalitis with mild hemorrhage

  • Use P38.9 for Omphalitis without hemorrhage

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to P38: its own notes plus those printed at block P35-P39 and Chapter 16. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

From Chapter 16 (P00-P96) Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period applies to 463 codes
  • conditions that have their origin in the fetal or perinatal period (before birth through the first 28 days after birth) even if morbidity occurs later

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • omphalitis not of newborn (L08.82)
  • tetanus omphalitis (A33)
  • umbilical hemorrhage of newborn (P51.-)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block P35-P39 Infections specific to the perinatal period applies to 34 codes
  • asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection status (Z21)
  • congenital gonococcal infection (A54.-)
  • congenital pneumonia (P23.-)
  • congenital syphilis (A50.-)
  • human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease (B20)
  • infant botulism (A48.51)
  • infectious diseases not specific to the perinatal period (A00-B99, J09, J10.-)
  • intestinal infectious disease (A00-A09)
  • laboratory evidence of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] (R75)
  • tetanus neonatorum (A33)
From Chapter 16 (P00-P96) Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period applies to 463 codes
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • tetanus neonatorum (A33)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 16 (P00-P96) Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period applies to 463 codes
  • Codes from this chapter are for use on newborn records only, never on maternal records

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name P38, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 2

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming P38: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • L02.2 Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of trunk
    omphalitis of newborn (P38.-)
  • L08.82 Omphalitis not of newborn
    omphalitis of newborn (P38.-)

Excludes2 3

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming P38: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • L03.31 Cellulitis of trunk
    omphalitis of newborn (P38.-)
  • Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
    infectious and parasitic diseases specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39) names P35-P39, which includes this code
  • P00.2 Newborn affected by maternal infectious and parasitic diseases
    infections specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39) names P35-P39, which includes this code

Patient EducationClinical

Uncommon 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 the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About P38Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for omphalitis of newborn?

P38 is the ICD-10-CM category for omphalitis of newborn, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is P38 (Omphalitis of newborn) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for omphalitis of newborn, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for omphalitis of newborn need a more specific code from this category, such as P38.1 and P38.9.

Can P38 be reported with L08.82?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on P38 lists "omphalitis not of newborn (L08.82)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).