If a patient receives postoperative care following a vaginal delivery, what code should be used?

The correct choice in this scenario is based on the specific nature of the postoperative care provided following a vaginal delivery. The code 59400 is designated for "vaginal delivery only” and includes the antepartum care, delivery, and postpartum care. This code encompasses the entire process from the start of pregnancy through the delivery and includes the necessary postoperative care associated with a vaginal delivery.

Using this code is appropriate when indicating that the provider managed the patient's care throughout the pregnancy, completed the delivery, and continued with the necessary postoperative care following delivery. By coding this way, it accurately reflects the comprehensive nature of care the patient received.

In contrast, other codes offered pertain to different scenarios: 59430 refers specifically to postpartum care only following a vaginal delivery, which is not appropriate if postoperative management is part of routine care after delivery. Code 59514 pertains to cesarean delivery with a follow-up, which does not apply to vaginal deliveries. The last option, 59420, represents the postpartum care without the antepartum or childbirth components, indicating care following the delivery but not the delivery itself.

Overall, using code 59400 appropriately captures the full scope of care provided to a patient following a vaginal delivery.