Female acute pelvic peritonitis

This code signifies an acute inflammatory process affecting the peritoneum within the female pelvis. It typically arises from an infection originating in the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, and subsequently spreading to the peritoneal lining.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an acute, infectious inflammation of the pelvic peritoneum in a female patient. This is often seen in cases of severe pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or following complications of gynecological procedures. Supporting documentation should include findings of peritoneal inflammation, such as fever, abdominal pain, and elevated inflammatory markers.

• Differentiate from chronic pelvic peritonitis (N73.4) or other specified/unspecified pelvic peritonitis (N73.5, N73.6, N73.9).
• Always code the underlying cause of the peritonitis, if known, such as salpingitis or oophoritis, as a primary or secondary diagnosis.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "acute" to accurately assign this code.