Apgar score concerns

It has come to our attention that the ICD-9-CM code for mild or moderate birth asphyxia, 768.6, contains inappropiate information. (This code may also be listed as 764.3 in the Hospital Adaptation of ICDA.) As written, the code includes a one-minute Apgar score of 4-7 as a basis for describing mild or moderate birth asphyxia. The problem is that infants with a score within this range may, with minimal resuscitation, respond well and be in all respects normal.