Pre-existing essential hypertension comp the puerperium

This code signifies a patient with a pre-existing diagnosis of essential hypertension who is currently in the puerperium (postpartum period). The hypertension is considered to be complicating her recovery during this time.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient with chronic, primary hypertension experiencing complications or requiring management related to this condition during the postpartum period (up to one year after delivery). Documentation should specify "pre-existing" or "chronic" essential hypertension.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the obstetric encounter (e.g., O80-O82).
• Distinguish from gestational hypertension (O13.-) or pre-eclampsia (O14.-), which develop during pregnancy.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "puerperium" or a timeframe within one year postpartum.