Pre-existing essential hypertension complicating childbirth

This code signifies a patient with a pre-existing diagnosis of essential (primary) hypertension who is currently experiencing childbirth. It indicates that the chronic hypertension is a complicating factor during the delivery process, potentially impacting maternal or fetal outcomes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a patient with a history of essential hypertension is admitted for delivery and the hypertension is noted as a complication during the childbirth encounter. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing the pre-existing hypertension and its relevance to the current delivery.

• Always sequence this code after the primary obstetric code indicating the type of delivery (e.g., O80, O82).
• Do not use this code for gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia; those conditions have specific codes.
• Ensure documentation specifies "pre-existing" or "chronic" essential hypertension to differentiate from new-onset hypertension in pregnancy.