Missed abortion

This code represents a fetal demise where the products of conception are retained in the uterus for an extended period after the fetus has died, but before 20 weeks gestation. The patient typically presents with an absence of fetal heart tones and no signs of expulsion of the uterine contents.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of missed abortion, meaning the fetus has died but has not been expelled from the uterus. This diagnosis is often confirmed by ultrasound showing an absence of fetal cardiac activity and retained gestational sac or fetal pole.

• Differentiate from blighted ovum (O02.0) where there is no fetal pole or embryo.
• Ensure the gestational age is less than 20 weeks; otherwise, consider codes for intrauterine fetal death (O36.4).
• Review documentation for any associated complications, such as hemorrhage or infection, which would require additional coding.