Meconium staining

This code represents the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid, indicating fetal distress or maturity. It signifies that the infant was born with evidence of meconium staining on the skin, umbilical cord, or amniotic membranes. This finding is a clinical observation rather than a disease process itself.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "meconium staining" without evidence of aspiration or respiratory distress. This typically occurs when meconium is noted in the amniotic fluid or on the infant at birth, but the infant does not develop meconium aspiration syndrome. Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of meconium staining as a finding.

• Do not code this with P24.00 or P24.01 (meconium aspiration) due to the Excludes1 note.
• Distinguish from P03.82 (meconium passage during delivery) which refers to the act of passing meconium, not the staining itself.
• Ensure documentation specifies "staining" and not just "meconium in fluid" if aspiration is also present, as the latter would lead to an aspiration code.