Placenta accreta, third trimester

This code signifies a condition where the placenta abnormally attaches to the uterine wall, specifically penetrating the myometrium (placenta accreta), identified during the third trimester of pregnancy. This abnormal adherence prevents the placenta from detaching normally after childbirth, leading to potential severe hemorrhage.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of placenta accreta in a pregnant patient who is in her third trimester. This diagnosis is typically made via ultrasound or MRI, and confirmed by clinical findings during delivery.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "accreta" and not "increta" or "percreta," as these have different codes.
• Verify the trimester is explicitly stated as the third trimester; otherwise, a different trimester-specific code should be used.
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when a primary obstetric complication or delivery code is present.