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.

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

  • Thank you Karen for the quick response and information.  Very helpful.
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