American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

What is the ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for blighted ovum?

1. 236.1

2. 661.00

3. 631.8

4. 634.90

The correct answer is: 631.8

The diagnosis code for blighted ovum in the ICD-9-CM coding system is associated with a specific category of conditions related to early pregnancy complications. The correct choice connects directly to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, which is established for capturing the clinical diagnosis accurately. Blighted ovum, or anembryonic pregnancy, is identified as a pregnancy in which a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall but does not develop into an embryo. This situation typically correlates with the broader category of pathological conditions affecting pregnancy. The diagnosis code fits within this framework, denoting it explicitly as a complication related to the gestation period. The other codes listed pertain to different conditions or categories in obstetrics. Understanding the specificity of ICD-9-CM codes is essential, as each one has a designated clinical implication. Correct application of these codes is crucial for proper documentation, billing, and health statistics in clinical practice. Recognizing the link between a specific diagnosis and its corresponding code is a vital skill for professionals in health information management.