Adjusted Chronological Age of Premature Infant
I have a 5 week old baby with fever. He was a 35-4/7th week premature infant twin. The doctor has diagnosed 'Fever in Newborn' with a note stating the "adjusted chronological age approximately 1 week." (P81.9)
Is there a definition for age other than '28 day old' when coding Fever in Newborn? Otherwise it's R50.9 (fever)?
Thank you for your help.
Is there a definition for age other than '28 day old' when coding Fever in Newborn? Otherwise it's R50.9 (fever)?
Thank you for your help.
Comments
There is no code for adjustment of chronological age. I would capture the fever along with P07.38 Preterm newborn, gestational age 35 completed weeks. Remember, that the Chapter 16 Codes (P00-P96) may be used throughout the life of the patient if the condition is still present.
In addition, I would look for an underlying etiology of the fever. If the source of the fever is established, then this may move this out of a symptom DRG grouper.
Hope this helps,
Karen Bridgeman MSN,RN,CCDS
Medical University of South Carolina