Antepart hemorrhage w dissem intravasc coag, third trimester

This code signifies bleeding from the uterus during the third trimester of pregnancy, complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC is a serious condition where abnormal blood clotting occurs throughout the body, leading to both excessive clotting and bleeding. This combination poses significant risks to both the mother and fetus.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates antepartum hemorrhage occurring in the third trimester, and the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of DIC. This typically involves laboratory findings consistent with DIC (e.g., low platelet count, prolonged PT/aPTT, elevated D-dimer) in conjunction with clinical signs of bleeding.

• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis if the antepartum hemorrhage with DIC is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation specifies "third trimester" as the gestational period; otherwise, a different trimester-specific code may be more appropriate.
• Do not use this code for postpartum hemorrhage with DIC; separate codes exist for that scenario.