Severe pre-eclampsia complicating childbirth

This code signifies severe pre-eclampsia occurring during the childbirth period. Severe pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, such as proteinuria, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or elevated liver enzymes. This code specifically applies when these severe symptoms manifest during labor, delivery, or immediately postpartum.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia who are actively in labor, undergoing delivery, or in the immediate postpartum period. Documentation must clearly indicate the presence of severe pre-eclampsia and its occurrence during the childbirth encounter. This includes findings like blood pressure ≥160/110 mmHg, new-onset renal insufficiency, impaired liver function, pulmonary edema, new-onset cerebral or visual disturbances, or persistent thrombocytopenia.

• Always sequence this code as a principal diagnosis when it is the reason for the admission or the primary condition being treated during the childbirth encounter.
• Do not confuse this with codes for mild or moderate pre-eclampsia, or pre-eclampsia occurring antepartum (O14.0x) or in the puerperium (O14.2x).
• Ensure documentation specifies the severity of the pre-eclampsia as "severe" and the timing as "complicating childbirth."