NB aff by abnlt in fetal heart rate or rhythm during labor

This code signifies a newborn who experienced adverse effects due to an irregular or abnormal heart rate or rhythm while still in the womb during the labor process. This includes conditions such as fetal bradycardia, tachycardia, or other arrhythmias detected prenatally or during delivery that impacted the neonate. The abnormality in heart rate or rhythm must have occurred during the intrapartum period.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a newborn was affected by a fetal heart rate abnormality identified during labor, such as non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns, sustained bradycardia, or persistent tachycardia. Supporting documentation would include obstetrician notes, labor and delivery records, and neonatologist assessments detailing the fetal heart rate anomaly and its impact on the newborn.

• This code is for the newborn affected by the maternal intrapartum condition, not for the mother.
• Ensure the documentation specifies the heart rate abnormality occurred during labor (intrauterine) to differentiate from congenital heart conditions or postnatal arrhythmias.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis following the appropriate Z38 code for the newborn's birth status.