What CPT 59410 Is — and Why It Exists
CPT 59410 reimburses a provider who performs the vaginal delivery and all routine postpartum visits, but not antepartum care.
postpartum visits, but not antepartum care.
It fills the gap between:
59409 (delivery only) and
59400 (global routine OB care: antepartum + delivery + postpartum).
Use it when:
You deliver the baby,
You provide routine postpartum follow-up (typically up to 6 weeks),
You did not provide antepartum care (or only provided <4 visits billed separately as E/M).
Where 59410 Fits in the Obstetric Coding Landscape
CPT 59410 represents a vaginal delivery with postpartum care, distinguishing it from delivery-only or global maternity codes. It fits in the OB coding landscape as a mid-range option, covering delivery plus follow-up but not antepartum management.
Situation | Code | Components |
Global OB package | 59400 | Antepartum + vaginal delivery + postpartum |
Vaginal delivery only | 59409 | Delivery, no postpartum |
Vaginal delivery + postpartum | 59410 | Delivery & routine postpartum |
Postpartum care only | 59430 | Postpartum visits when you did not deliver |
Antepartum 4–6 visits | 59425 | Partial antepartum |
Antepartum 7+ visits | 59426 | Extended antepartum |
When to Choose 59410 (Decision Matrix)
Your Role | Antepartum | Delivery | Postpartum | Code |
Did none of antepartum, delivered, gave postpartum visits | No | ✔ | ✔ | 59410 |
Delivered only, no postpartum | No | ✔ | No | 59409 |
Antepartum + delivery + postpartum | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 59400 |
Antepartum only | ✔ | No | No | 59425 / 59426 |
Postpartum only | No | No | ✔ | 59430 |
How to Document for 59410 (Delivery + Postpartum)
Delivery note (same as 59409) plus postpartum notes.
Delivery (core elements)
Patient ID, date/time of birth, GA
Labor course, induction/augmentation, anesthesia
Delivery type (spontaneous vs assisted)
Episiotomy / laceration & repair
Placenta delivery, EBL
Complications
Neonatal info (Apgars, wt, resuscitation)
Provider signature
Postpartum visit notes
Date of visit(s) & interval since delivery
Maternal vitals, breast & uterine exam, perineum
Lochia, bowel/bladder, mood, breastfeeding
Contraceptive counseling
Any postpartum complications (mastitis, depression, wound issues)
Clearance for activity/intercourse/work if appropriate
What Is Included in 59410 — and What Is Not
CPT 59410 includes the vaginal delivery and routine postpartum care, ensuring both services are bundled under one code. It does not cover antepartum visits, complicated procedures, or services outside the standard postpartum period.
Item | Included | Not Included / Bill Separately |
Vaginal delivery (spontaneous/assisted) | ✔ | — |
Episiotomy & routine perineal repair | ✔ | Complex tear repair (payer-specific) |
Immediate newborn care (dry/stim, cord clamp) | ✔ (if limited) | Full resuscitation beyond routine → 99464/99465 |
Routine postpartum visits (up to 6 wks) | ✔ | Visits beyond global (e.g., >6 wks, unrelated problem) |
Antepartum services | ✘ | Bill 59425/59426 or E/M |
Non-routine postpartum problems (mastitis, depression) | ✘ (usually) | Bill E/M with modifier -24 |
How to Assemble the Claim (CMS-1500)
CPT: 59410
Units: 1
Date: Delivery date (even though postpartum visits span weeks)
Dx: Encounter for delivery (O80 for normal), or complication codes if applicable
POS: Inpatient hospital/birthing center for delivery (postpartum visits don’t change POS)
Provider: Delivering clinician
Modifiers & Special Situations
-22 Increased Procedural Services: For extraordinary delivery effort (shoulder dystocia, hemorrhage). Attach memo.
-24 Unrelated E/M in postpartum period (mastitis, UTI). Use on E/M, not on 59410.
-51 / -59: Rarely applicable; avoid unless distinct non-OB procedures same DOS.
Common Denials — and Fixes
Denial | Why | Solution |
“Overlaps with global” | Another provider billed 59400 | Submit transfer summary & note delivery/postpartum scope |
“No postpartum documented” | Only delivery note found | Add signed postpartum notes |
“Unbundled postpartum visits” | Billed 59409 + E/M postpartum | Use 59410 instead |
Complexity -22 denied | Narrative too vague | Resubmit with objective data (time, maneuvers, EBL) |
Using 59410 With Multiple Gestations
Many payers treat vaginal delivery of twins as one professional service.
Some allow extra reporting with modifier (e.g., 59409-59 x2 + postpartum = not typical).
Check payer manuals and keep thorough delivery detail for each neonate.
When to Use 59410 vs 59430
If you… | Code |
Deliver + postpartum | 59410 |
Only postpartum (no delivery) | 59430 |
59430 is rare; use only if you didn’t deliver.
Integrating Postpartum Quality Metrics
Track:
Visit completion by 6 wks
Depression screening (EPDS/PHQ-9)
Contraception counseling
Breastfeeding support
These may tie to payer quality programs.
Start Here
What exactly does CPT 59410 pay for?
The delivery of the baby (spontaneous or assisted) plus routine postpartum visits through ~6 weeks. It excludes antepartum care.
How is 59410 different from 59409?
59409 = delivery only.
59410 = delivery + postpartum.
What if I provided a few prenatal visits before delivery?
If <4 visits, bill them as individual E/M codes in addition to 59410. If ≥4, use 59425/59426, not E/M.
How should postpartum visits be documented?
Record vitals, fundus, lochia, perineum, mood, breastfeeding, contraception counseling, and any complications. Sign and date.
Are postpartum visits after 6 weeks included?
No. Visits beyond the typical 6-week period are separately billable if medically necessary.
Can I bill for mastitis treatment during the postpartum global?
Yes, but as a separate E/M with modifier -24 (unrelated problem during postpartum care).
Do I need to list the postpartum dates on the claim?
No. Report the delivery date only; postpartum visits are bundled.
Can 59410 be billed if I only saw the patient for postpartum and not delivery?
No. For postpartum only (no delivery), use 59430.
When is -22 appropriate for 59410?
When delivery portion is significantly more difficult than usual (e.g., complex dystocia, heavy blood loss). Postpartum complexity alone does not justify -22.
What’s the best way to avoid “overlap” denials with global OB claims?
Communicate with the antepartum provider; include a transfer summary; ensure they don’t bill 59400. Attach note: “Delivery + postpartum only.”
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