Labor and delivery complicated by vasa previa, fetus 5

This code signifies a pregnancy, labor, or delivery complicated by vasa previa, a rare condition where fetal blood vessels cross or run in the membranes unprotected by the umbilical cord or placental tissue, lying over the internal cervical os. This specific code identifies the complication as affecting the fifth fetus in a multiple gestation pregnancy.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates vasa previa as a complication during labor and delivery for the fifth fetus. This typically occurs in multiple gestations where the individual fetuses are numbered. Documentation should specify the presence of vasa previa and its impact on the labor and delivery process for the identified fetus.

• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "vasa previa" and identifies the affected fetus as the fifth.
• Do not confuse with other placental or cord complications like placenta previa or vasa praevia of an unspecified fetus.
• Sequence this code as a principal diagnosis when it is the main reason for the admission, or as a secondary diagnosis when it complicates the labor and delivery.