AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 1986 November - December
Apgar Score: Use and Issues
Note: As of October 1, 1989, references to coding by Apgar score have been removed from Volumes 1 and 2 of ICD-9-CM. The National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Public Health Service, has issued the following statement on the use of the Apgar score in ICD-9-CM coding assignments: "The ICD-9-CM is designed for use as a tool for the collection of statistical data. As such, like conditions are grouped together in categories. The list of Apgar score ranges as inclusion terms under categories 768.5 and 768.6 is intended to distinguish the severe cases of birth asphyxia...
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Article Overview
This Find-A-Code article explains how Apgar scoring is discussed in relation to ICD-9-CM coding, newborn assessment, and record documentation. It is intended for coders, coding supervisors, and medical record staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance, the organizations referenced, and the types of issues covered when low Apgar scores appear in the chart. The article presents background on Apgar assessment, outlines related professional statements, and discusses compliance and audit concerns tied to accurate abstracted data.
Why This Topic Matters
Apgar-related charting can affect how newborn records are abstracted and how statistical coding data are represented. Understanding the article helps coding staff evaluate documentation context and apply historical ICD-9-CM guidance appropriately.
What You Will Learn
- How Apgar scoring is described in relation to newborn assessment and documentation
- What historical ICD-9-CM guidance says about Apgar-related coding references
- Why low Apgar scores require supporting clinical documentation
- Which professional organizations are referenced in the discussion
- Why compliance and audit oversight are emphasized for newborn record abstraction
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding supervisors
- Health information management staff
- Medical record department directors
- Hospital compliance/audit personnel
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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