Birth Defects

A birth defect is an abnormality of structure, function or metabolism (body chemistry) present at birth that results in physical or mental disability, or is fatal. Several thousand different birth defects have been identified. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. In addition, to being the major cause of infant mortality, birth defects are also a leading source of morbidity and health care service utilization.

Birth defects are reportable under State Laws, Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 31-12-2 and 31-1-3.2, which mandate the reporting of notifiable diseases. All birth defects (ICD 9 codes 740-759.9), fetal alcohol syndrome (ICD9 code 760.7), genetic and metabolic conditions (ICD9 codes 270-279), or a notation of "refer" on newborn hearing screening and newborn hearing loss are reportable.

Table of Contents:

• Fact Sheet 
• Questions and Answers 
• Reporting Worksheet 
• Record Review Worksheet