Pre-existing htn with pre-eclampsia, comp childbirth

This code signifies the presence of chronic hypertension in a pregnant patient who subsequently develops pre-eclampsia during the childbirth period. It indicates a superimposed pre-eclamptic condition occurring in a patient with pre-existing high blood pressure, specifically at the time of delivery.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states pre-existing or chronic hypertension and a new diagnosis of pre-eclampsia during the delivery encounter. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing both conditions and their co-occurrence during childbirth.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pre-existing" or "chronic" hypertension, not gestational hypertension.
• Confirm the pre-eclampsia diagnosis is present during the childbirth episode.
• Sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for the encounter, followed by codes for the specific type of pre-eclampsia and outcome of delivery.