Labor and delivery complicated by vasa previa, other fetus

This code signifies a pregnancy where the fetal blood vessels (vasa previa) are positioned over or near the internal cervical os, unprotected by the umbilical cord or placental tissue, during labor and delivery. This condition poses a significant risk of fetal hemorrhage and demise if the membranes rupture. This specific code applies when vasa previa complicates the labor and delivery of an "other fetus" in a multiple gestation.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states vasa previa complicated the labor and delivery of a fetus other than the first-born in a multiple gestation. Supporting documentation includes operative reports, delivery notes, or physician progress notes detailing the presence of vasa previa and its impact on the delivery process for a subsequent fetus.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "other fetus" in a multiple gestation to differentiate from the first-born.
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis following the primary code for the outcome of delivery (e.g., Z37.3 for twins, both liveborn).
• Do not confuse with placenta previa, which involves the placenta covering the cervical os, not just the fetal vessels.