Code: 59610
Description: Routine obstetric care including antepartum care, vaginal delivery (after previous cesarean delivery), and postpartum care
Context: This code is used for comprehensive obstetric care involving patients who have had a previous cesarean delivery but are undergoing a vaginal delivery (VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) in the current pregnancy. It includes prenatal care, the vaginal delivery process, and postpartum care.
Guidelines for Proper Use
- Comprehensive Care for VBAC: Apply 59610 for complete obstetric services provided to a patient having a vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean section. This includes antepartum care, management of the vaginal delivery, and postpartum care.
- Documentation of VBAC: Ensure healthcare providers’ documentation reflects the history of a previous cesarean delivery and the current vaginal delivery, along with comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care.
- Exclusion of Separate Procedures: Do not use 59610 if individual components of obstetric care are provided separately. Specific codes should be used for each separate service in such scenarios.
- Vaginal Delivery After Cesarean: This code is specifically for vaginal deliveries in patients who have previously undergone a cesarean section.
- Compliance with Obstetric Guidelines: Use 59610 in accordance with standard obstetric care guidelines, protocols, and payer-specific rules for VBAC.
Common Misuses of 59610
- Using for Standard Vaginal or Cesarean Deliveries: Misuse occurs if 59610 is applied to routine vaginal deliveries without a history of cesarean delivery or for cesarean deliveries.
- Partial Obstetric Services: Applying 59610 to cases where only part of the obstetric service spectrum (such as only delivery or only antepartum care) is provided.
- Overlooking Additional Procedures: If additional, separate billable procedures are performed (like episiotomy or use of forceps in vaginal delivery), these should be coded separately and not included under 59610.
