What ICD‑10 codes should be used for a postpartum lactating mother’s routine breastfeeding encounter and for specific lactation problems such as nipple infection, mastitis, breast engorgement, suppressed lactation, or infant difficulty feeding at the breast?

ICD-10 Coding for Breastfeeding Encounters and Lactation Problems

Routine Breastfeeding Encounters

For routine postpartum lactating mother encounters without complications, use Z39.1 (Encounter for care and examination of lactating mother). This code applies to general breastfeeding support, lactation counseling, and routine follow-up visits where no specific problem is identified 1.

Specific Lactation Problem Codes

Nipple Infections and Cracked Nipples

• Use O91.0 (Infection of nipple associated with pregnancy, the puerperium and lactation) for bacterial or other infections of the nipple during the breastfeeding period 2, 3.
• This code encompasses conditions previously misattributed to Candida when other diagnoses such as bacterial infection, dermatitis, or mechanical trauma are confirmed 2.
• Use O92.1 (Cracked nipple associated with pregnancy, the puerperium and lactation) specifically for mechanical nipple trauma or fissures without confirmed infection 3, 4.

Mastitis

• Use O91.2 (Nonpurulent mastitis associated with pregnancy, the puerperium and lactation) for inflammatory mastitis without abscess formation 5, 3.
• This code applies to the approximately 10% of breastfeeding mothers who develop mastitis, typically presenting with focal breast tenderness, fever, and malaise 3.
• Use O91.1 (Abscess of breast associated with pregnancy, the puerperium and lactation) when mastitis progresses to abscess formation requiring drainage 5, 3, 6.
• Note that antepartum mastitis, though rare, should also use these codes when occurring during pregnancy 6.

Breast Engorgement

• Use O92.2 (Other and unspecified disorders of breast associated with pregnancy and the puerperium) for physiological breast engorgement during lactation 5.
• This code captures the normal but sometimes problematic engorgement that occurs as part of lactation establishment 5.

Suppressed or Insufficient Lactation

• Use O92.5 (Suppressed lactation) when lactation is intentionally or unintentionally inhibited 1.
• Use O92.4 (Hypogalactia) for insufficient milk production or perceived inadequate milk supply 4.
• These codes apply regardless of whether the insufficiency is related to prior breast surgery, as past breast surgery does not contraindicate breastfeeding but increases risk of milk insufficiency 5.

Infant Feeding Difficulties

• Use P92.5 (Neonatal difficulty in feeding at breast) when the problem originates with the infant's inability to latch or feed effectively 4.
• This code should be used from the infant's chart perspective when documenting feeding difficulties related to infant factors such as poor latch or anatomical issues 3, 4.

Critical Coding Considerations

• Always verify the timing of the condition – these O-codes (O91.x, O92.x) are specifically for conditions associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, typically within the first 6 weeks postpartum, though lactational mastitis can occur throughout breastfeeding 3, 6.
• Document whether infection is confirmed – distinguishing between O91.0 (infected nipple), O91.2 (nonpurulent mastitis), and O91.1 (breast abscess) requires clinical assessment and sometimes milk culture 5, 3.
• Consider alternative diagnoses – persistent nipple pain attributed to "yeast" may actually represent subacute mastitis, dermatitis, vasospasm, or other conditions requiring different ICD-10 codes 2.