Unspecified pre-eclampsia, complicating childbirth

This code signifies a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia occurring during the peripartum period, specifically complicating the process of childbirth, where the specific type or severity of pre-eclampsia is not documented. Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation, which can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications.

This code is appropriate when the medical record clearly states "pre-eclampsia complicating childbirth" but lacks further specificity regarding the severity (e.g., mild, severe) or specific features (e.g., with or without severe features). Documentation must confirm the pre-eclamptic condition and its impact on the delivery process.

• Always strive for greater specificity if available in the documentation (e.g., O14.04, O14.14, O14.24).
• This code is for use on the maternal record during the encounter for childbirth.
• Sequence this code as a principal diagnosis when the pre-eclampsia is the main reason for the admission for delivery, or as a secondary diagnosis if another condition is the principal reason.