Arrest of Dilation ICD-10 Code: O62.0

The ICD-10 code for arrest of dilation is O62.0 (Primary inadequate contractions). This code applies to failure of cervical dilation in the first stage of labor, which ICD-10-CM classifies under "failure of cervical dilatation" and "uterine inertia during latent phase of labor."

What Is Arrest of Dilation?

Arrest of dilation (or arrest of dilatation) occurs during the first stage of labor when the cervix stops dilating despite adequate time. Clinical criteria typically require:

• Cervical dilation of at least 6 cm
• Ruptured membranes
• No cervical change for 4+ hours with adequate contractions, or 6+ hours without adequate contractions

O62.0 Includes

Per ICD-10-CM, O62.0 specifically includes:

• Failure of cervical dilatation
• Primary hypotonic uterine dysfunction
• Uterine inertia during latent phase of labor

O62 Code Family for Labor Abnormalities

Arrest of Dilation vs. Arrest of Descent

These are commonly confused:

Coding tip: If documentation says "failure to progress" without specifying which type, query the provider. This phrase alone doesn't distinguish between these two distinct conditions.

Common Coding Scenarios

Scenario 1: Arrest of Dilation Leading to Cesarean

Documentation: "Active phase arrest at 6 cm for 4 hours despite adequate contractions. Cesarean delivery for arrest of dilation."

Code: O62.0 (Primary inadequate contractions)

Rationale: Arrest of dilation is coded as primary inadequate contractions/failure of cervical dilatation. This is appropriate as primary diagnosis when it's the indication for cesarean.

Scenario 2: Protracted Dilation with Augmentation

Documentation: "Protracted active phase, cervix 5 cm to 7 cm over 4 hours. Pitocin augmentation initiated."

Codes:

• O62.0 if documenting arrest/failure of dilation
• O63.0 (Prolonged first stage) if documenting prolonged but progressing labor

Rationale: Protracted labor (slow progress) vs. arrest (no progress) may be coded differently depending on how the provider documents it.

Scenario 3: Failed Induction with No Dilation

Documentation: "Failed induction of labor. Cervix remained 1 cm despite 24 hours of Pitocin. Cesarean for failed induction."

Code: O61.0 (Failed medical induction of labor)

Rationale: When the cervix never enters active labor despite induction, use the failed induction code rather than arrest of dilation. O62.0 applies to arrest during established labor.

Scenario 4: Arrest of Both Dilation and Descent

Documentation: "Prolonged labor with arrest of dilation at 8 cm and arrest of descent at 0 station. Cesarean delivery."

Codes:

• O62.0 (Primary inadequate contractions)
• O64.0 (Obstructed labor due to incomplete rotation) - if malposition documented

Rationale: Code both conditions when both are documented. The presence of both suggests possible cephalopelvic disproportion.

Documentation Requirements

For accurate coding of arrest of dilation, documentation should include:

• Cervical dilation at time of arrest
• Duration of arrested progress
• Contraction adequacy (often measured by Montevideo units)
• Interventions attempted (amniotomy, oxytocin augmentation)
• Ultimate delivery method