Failed induction of labor (O61)

The ICD-10 code O61 covers various types of failed induction of labor, a condition where efforts to start childbirth do not progress successfully. These codes are essential for accurately documenting and billing when labor induction does not lead to delivery.

The category O61 includes specific codes such as O61.0 for failed medical induction using drugs like oxytocics, and O61.1 for failed mechanical or instrumental induction, often linked to complications such as malposition or disproportion. The code O61.8 is used for other less common types of failed induction, while O61.9 applies when the failure of induction is unspecified. Common terms like “failed medical induction of labor” or “failed mechanical induction” correspond directly to these ICD-10 codes, helping medical coders select the correct code based on the method of attempted labor induction. Using these precise codes supports clear communication about cases where induction attempts do not advance labor as intended.