Coding for VANISHING TWIN

Coding Tips,

A vanishing twin (or fetal resorption) is a fetus in a multi-gestation that fails to develop or dies in utero and is then partially or completely resorbed. Fetal numbering is most commonly determined by ultrasound. The baby positioned lowest in the uterus is usually given the designation of “Baby A.” Most commonly, Baby A will likely be born first in a vaginal delivery.In the case of a vanishing twin, the correct twin that vanished should be properly identified. In ICD-10 numbering, fetus 1 would indicate baby/fetus A, fetus 2 would be baby/fetus B, etc. When coding the continuing care of the pregnancy, the ICD-10 codes below are useful to indicate the fetus being evaluated.


O31.2 Continuing pregnancy after intrauterine death of one fetus or more

O31.20 Continuing pregnancy after intrauterine death of one fetus or more, unspecified trimester

O31.20X0 …… not applicable or unspecified

O31.20X1 …… fetus 1

O31.20X2 …… fetus 2

O31.20X3 …… fetus 3

O31.20X4 …… fetus 4

O31.20X5 …… fetus 5

O31.20X9 …… other fetus

O31.21 Continuing pregnancy after intrauterine death of one fetus or more, first trimester

O31.21X0 …… not applicable or unspecified

O31.21X1 …… fetus 1

O31.21X2 …… fetus 2

O31.21X3 …… fetus 3

O31.21X4 …… fetus 4

O31.21X5 …… fetus 5

O31.21X9 …… other fetus

O31.22 Continuing pregnancy after intrauterine death of one fetus or more, second trimester

O31.22X0 …… not applicable or unspecified

O31.22X1 …… fetus 1

O31.22X2 …… fetus 2

O31.22X3 …… fetus 3

O31.22X4 …… fetus 4

O31.22X5 …… fetus 5

O31.22X9 …… other fetus

O31.23 Continuing pregnancy after intrauterine death of one fetus or more, third trimester

O31.23X0 …… not applicable or unspecified

O31.23X1 …… fetus 1

O31.23X2 …… fetus 2

O31.23X3 …… fetus 3

O31.23X4 …… fetus 4

O31.23X5 …… fetus 5

O31.23X9 …… other fetus

Download the PDF