Arrest of Descent ICD-10 Code: O64.0

The ICD-10 code for arrest of descent is O64.0 (Obstructed labor due to incomplete rotation of fetal head). This code specifically covers deep transverse arrest, which is the most common cause of arrest of descent in labor.

Understanding Arrest of Descent

Arrest of descent occurs when the fetal head stops descending through the birth canal despite adequate contractions. The most common cause is incomplete rotation of the fetal head (deep transverse arrest), which is what O64.0 captures.

Note: ICD-10-CM uses the term "obstructed labor due to incomplete rotation" rather than "arrest of descent." Both terms describe the same clinical entity.

O64.0 Includes

Per ICD-10-CM, O64.0 covers:

• Deep transverse arrest
• Obstructed labor due to persistent occipitoiliac position
• Obstructed labor due to persistent occipitoposterior position
• Obstructed labor due to persistent occipitosacral position
• Obstructed labor due to persistent occipitotransverse position

Related Labor Dystocia Codes

Different types of labor abnormalities have different codes:

Don't confuse O62 with O64: O62 codes are for abnormalities of labor forces (contractions), while O64 codes are for obstructed labor due to fetal position.

Common Coding Scenarios

Scenario 1: Deep Transverse Arrest with Cesarean

Documentation: "Arrest of descent at +1 station, deep transverse arrest. Cesarean section performed."

Code: O64.0 (Obstructed labor due to incomplete rotation of fetal head)

Rationale: The arrest of descent due to malposition is the indication for the cesarean. O64.0 is appropriate as the primary diagnosis.

Scenario 2: Arrest of Descent with Vacuum Delivery

Documentation: "Prolonged second stage with arrest of descent. Occiput posterior position. Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery."

Codes:

• O64.0 (Obstructed labor due to incomplete rotation)
• O63.1 (Prolonged second stage) - if documented separately

Rationale: Code both conditions if both are documented. The malposition (O64.0) explains why delivery was difficult.

Scenario 3: Failure to Progress (Nonspecific)

Documentation: "Failure to progress, cesarean delivery."

Code: O63.9 (Long labor, unspecified)

Rationale: "Failure to progress" alone doesn't specify whether the problem was dilation (O62.x), descent (O64.x), or both. Use the unspecified code and query if possible for more specificity.

Arrest of Descent vs. Arrest of Dilation

These are distinct clinical entities with different codes:

Tip: If documentation says "failure to progress," query the provider to clarify whether it's arrest of dilation, arrest of descent, or both.

Seventh Character Requirement

O64.0 does not require a 7th character extension for trimester since obstructed labor codes inherently apply to the labor/delivery timeframe.