V22 Coding

[Darlene]

I have a question regarding the V22 codes. If the record does not state that the delivery is the first baby being born, do we just assume that it is? I have come across scenarios where it doesn't state it in my practice questions and only says normal delivery and I get confused as to which code to choose.

Thank you,

Darlene

 

[Alicia Scott]

You don't really want to assume it is a first pregnancy. Mind you this is not a delivery code but rather an outpatient prenatal visit code. Delivery codes will be V30 codes. Keep in mind terms like Gravida means pregnancy or how many times you have been pregnant. Para refers to how many births you had. Therefore if someone is Gravida 1, Para 0 that means they were pregnant once but never gave birth (to live baby) Miscarriages are not counted in Para.

V22.o would be Gravida 1.
V22.1 would be Gravida 2 (or more)
Hope this helps

 

[Darlene]

I apologize for stating delivery codes. I did mean the supervision codes. V22.0 is supervision of normal first pregnancy. In the practices that I have come across they are not stating gravida or para information. Am I just to assume that if that is not stated then it is a first pregnancy?

Thank you again,

Darlene

 

[Alicia Scott]

If this was a test question I would say yes go with first. If this is real life I would say no. Call and find out because this is poor documentation. Auditors who are looking for mistake would have a field day. There is nothing in the manual that states V22 is a default code. Unlike 250.00 for DM which is there is not sufficient documentation 250.00 is allowed due to something like 95% of all DM are Type 2.