On April 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is introducing 50 new codes, deleting 12 codes, and revising 2 code titles. It’s been several years since we’ve seen changes to obstetrical codes, but for this update, there are two to note.
Code 0U7C7DJ, Dilation of cervix using a temporary intraluminal device via natural or artificial opening, is a new code intended to be used for mechanical cervical ripening during labor induction. The introduction of the qualifier J, Temporary, is meant to capture cervical dilation using a temporary intraluminal device, such as balloon catheters, laminaria, or Dilapan-S® rods. Currently, The Joint Commission’s PC-01 measure for Elective Delivery includes the following codes for cervical ripening of labor:
- 0U7C7DZ Dilation of cervix with intraluminal device, natural or artificial opening
- 0U7C7ZZ Dilation of cervix with no device, natural or artificial opening
Unfortunately, neither code accurately reports the use of a device since PCS guidelines state that it’s only considered a device if it’s intended to remain in place after the procedure. The qualifier for Temporary shows that a device was used for a specific purpose before being removed.
The other new obstetrical code being introduced for April is 10D10ZZ, Extraction of retained products of conception, open approach. This code allows for reporting removal of retained placental fragments by reopening a cesarean incision.
If you want to learn more about these new codes as well as other mid-year coding revisions, be sure to check out our webinar!
Kristi Pollard, RHIT, CCS, CPC, CIRCC, AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
Director of Coding Quality & Education
Kristi is the Director of Coding Quality & Education with more than 25 years of industry experience; she is responsible for the development of web-based, instructor-led, and webinar training materials; conducting training in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT; and performing DRG and APC audits. Kristi has an extensive background in coding education and consulting and is a national speaker and published writer on topics related to ICD-10 and CPT coding and code-based reimbursement. She has designed and developed training programs for inpatient and outpatient hospital-based coding, with a focus on vascular interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, orthopedics, and obstetrics.
0 Comments