Gestational edema with proteinuria, comp the puerperium

This code signifies the presence of swelling due to fluid retention (edema) accompanied by protein in the urine (proteinuria) that develops or persists during the postpartum period. This condition is a complication of pregnancy, specifically occurring after childbirth. It indicates a potentially serious postpartum issue distinct from pre-existing or antepartum conditions.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient experiencing new onset or persistent edema and proteinuria in the puerperium (postpartum period, typically up to 42 days after delivery). This diagnosis is supported by findings such as elevated blood pressure, significant swelling, and laboratory confirmation of proteinuria in a recently delivered patient.

• Do not use this code for edema or proteinuria occurring before delivery; those require codes from the O12.0- or O12.1- series.
• Always sequence this code after the primary reason for the encounter if the patient is being seen for a specific postpartum complication related to this condition.
• Ensure documentation specifies both edema and proteinuria; isolated edema or proteinuria without the other component would require a different code.