Z38.62 - Triplet liveborn infant, delivered by cesarean

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

• Born by cesarean section
• Liveborn born in hospital
• Liveborn born in hospital by cesarean section
• Triplet liveborn in hospital by cesarean section

Code Edits

The Medicare Code Editor (MCE) detects and reports errors in the coding of claims data. The following ICD-10 Code Edits are applicable to this code:

• Perinatal / Newborn diagnoses - The Medicare Code Editor detects inconsistencies in perinatal / newborn cases by checking a patient's age and any diagnosis on the patient's record. The newborn code edits apply to patients age 0 years only; a subset of diagnoses which will only occur during the perinatal or newborn period of age 0 (e.g., tetanus neonatorum, health examination for newborn under 8 days old).

Present on Admission (POA)

Z38.62 is exempt from POA reporting - The Present on Admission (POA) indicator is used for diagnosis codes included in claims involving inpatient admissions to general acute care hospitals. POA indicators must be reported to CMS on each claim to facilitate the grouping of diagnoses codes into the proper Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG). CMS publishes a listing of specific diagnosis codes that are exempt from the POA reporting requirement. Review other POA exempt codes here.

Convert to ICD-9 Code

Patient Education

Cesarean Section

What is a Cesarean section (C-section)?

A Cesarean section (C-section) is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through your abdomen (belly). In the United States, almost one in three babies are born this way. Some C-sections are planned. Others are emergency C-sections, which are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery.

When is a Cesarean section (C-section) needed?

You may need a C-section because:

• You have health problems, including infection
• You are carrying more than one baby
• Your baby is too big
• Your baby is in the wrong position
• Your baby’s health is in danger
• Labor is not moving along as it should
• There are problems with your placenta (the organ that brings oxygen and nutrients to your baby)

Not everyone who has had a C-section before will need another one next time. You may be able to have a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you.

How is a Cesarean section (C-section) done?

Before the surgery, you will be given pain medicine. Depending on your circumstances, you might get:

• An epidural block, which numbs the lower part of the body through an injection in the spine.
• A spinal block, which numbs the lower part of the body through an injection directly into the spinal fluid.
• General anesthesia, which makes you unconscious during the surgery. This is often used during emergency C-sections.

During the surgery, the surgeon will:

• Make a cut in your abdomen and uterus. The cut is usually horizontal, but in some cases it may be vertical.
• Open the amniotic sac and take out your baby.
• Cut the umbilical cord and the placenta.
• Close the uterus and abdomen with stitches that will later dissolve.

What are the risks of a Cesarean section (C-section)?

A C-section is relatively safe for you and your baby. But it is still a major surgery, and it carries risks. They may include:

• Infection
• Blood loss
• Blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs
• Injury to surrounding structures, such as the bowel or bladder
• A reaction to the medicines or anesthesia used

Some of these risks do also apply to a vaginal birth. But it does take longer to recover from a C-section than from a vaginal birth. And a C-section can raise the risk of having difficulties with future pregnancies. The more C-sections you have, the more the risk goes up.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Twins, Triplets, Multiple Births

If you are pregnant with more than one baby, you are far from alone. Multiple births are up in the United States. More women are having babies after age 30 and more are taking fertility drugs. Both boost the chance of carrying more than one baby. A family history of twins also makes multiples more likely.

Years ago, most twins came as a surprise. Now, most women know about a multiple pregnancy early. Women with multiple pregnancies should see their health care providers more often than women who are expecting one baby. Multiple pregnancy babies have a much higher risk of being born prematurely and having a low birth weight. There is also more of a risk of disabilities. Some women have to go on bed rest to delay labor. Finally, they may deliver by C-section, especially if there are three babies or more.

Parenting multiples can be a challenge. Volunteer help and support groups for parents of multiples can help.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health

Code History

• FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
• FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
• FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
• FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
• FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
• FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
• FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
• FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)