Fracture of skull due to birth injury

This code describes a skull fracture sustained by a neonate as a direct result of the birth process. This injury can range from linear fractures to depressed skull fractures, often occurring during difficult or instrument-assisted deliveries.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a newborn's skull fracture was caused by trauma during labor and delivery. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing the injury, its location, and the direct causal link to the birth event.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the fracture is a "birth injury" to differentiate from other neonatal skull fractures.
• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for admission or encounter.
• Do not confuse with skull fractures acquired post-delivery or those due to congenital anomalies.