ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

P91.81Neonatal encephalopathy

Not billable — use a more specific code

P91.81 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 2 more specific codes beneath it.

Code last changed in FY2018 (effective October 1, 2017). Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About P91.81

P91.81 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for neonatal encephalopathy. It belongs to category P91 (other disturbances of cerebral status of newborn), block P90-P96 (other disorders originating in the perinatal period) and chapter 16 (certain conditions originating in the perinatal period). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 2 subcodes must be used instead.

Within P91.8 (other specified disturbances of cerebral status of newborn), P91.81 is specifically for neonatal encephalopathy. Related codes cover neonatal cerebral infarction (P91.82) and other specified disturbances of cerebral status of newborn (P91.88).

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: P91.811 (in diseases classified elsewhere) and P91.819 (unspecified).

It was added in FY2018, effective October 1, 2017.

Specific codes under P91.81

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to P91.81.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 16: Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period.

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2018 (effective 10/1/2017): Added
No changes since FY2018.

Common questions about P91.81

Is P91.81 billable?: No. P91.81 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.