Other premature separation of placenta, first trimester

This code signifies the premature detachment of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall during the first trimester of pregnancy, excluding cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or specified coagulation defects. This separation can be partial or complete and often results in vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a placental abruption occurring before 14 weeks gestation, and the cause is not attributed to DIC or other specified coagulation disorders. Supporting documentation should detail the timing of the abruption and rule out other potential etiologies for vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "first trimester" to differentiate from later gestational periods.
• Verify that DIC or other specific coagulation defects are not documented as the cause; if so, a different code would be appropriate.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.