Pre-existing hypertensive heart disease comp the puerperium

This code signifies a patient with a pre-existing diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease who is now in the puerperium (the period immediately following childbirth). It indicates that the pre-existing cardiac condition, specifically related to hypertension, is complicating her recovery during this postpartum phase.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a patient has a history of hypertensive heart disease and is experiencing complications directly attributable to this condition during the postpartum period (up to 42 days after delivery). Documentation should specify the pre-existing nature of the hypertensive heart disease and its impact on the puerperium.

• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter during the puerperium.
• Ensure documentation differentiates between pre-existing hypertensive heart disease and gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia.
• Do not use this code for hypertension without documented heart involvement or for new-onset hypertension during the puerperium.