ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for twin newborn
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Newborn (infant) (liveborn) (singleton) › twin”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding twin newborn
The ICD-10-CM code for twin newborn is Z38.5 (Twin liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Z38.5.
Within Z38, choose Z38.5 (Twin liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: single liveborn infant, born in hospital (Z38.0), single liveborn infant, born outside hospital (Z38.1), single liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth (Z38.2), twin liveborn infant, born in hospital (Z38.3), twin liveborn infant, born outside hospital (Z38.4), other multiple liveborn infant, born in hospital (Z38.6), other multiple liveborn infant, born outside hospital (Z38.7) and other multiple liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth (Z38.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 795 (Normal Newborn, relative weight 0.2022), in MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific twin newborn codes (official index)
Common questions about twin newborn ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for twin newborn?
- Z38.5 — Twin liveborn infant, unspecified as to place of birth. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z38.30, Z38.31, Z38.4.
What is the ICD-10 code for born in hospital twin newborn?
- Z38.30 — Twin liveborn infant, delivered vaginally.
What is the ICD-10 code for born outside hospital twin newborn?
- Z38.4 — Twin liveborn infant, born outside hospital.
Is Z38.5 billable?
- Yes. Z38.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z38.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Z38.5 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Z38.5 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z38.5 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.