Syphilis complicating childbirth

This code signifies a maternal diagnosis of syphilis that is actively impacting or has complicated the process of childbirth. It indicates that the infectious disease, caused by Treponema pallidum, was present and relevant during the delivery period. This includes both primary, secondary, and latent stages of syphilis when it complicates the labor and delivery encounter.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states that the patient has syphilis and it is noted as a complication during the childbirth admission. This includes scenarios where syphilis treatment is initiated or continued during labor, or when the condition is specifically cited as influencing delivery management. Documentation should explicitly link the syphilis to the childbirth event.

• Always sequence this code after the primary obstetric code indicating the type of delivery (e.g., O80, O82).
• Ensure documentation specifies "complicating childbirth" or similar language to support the use of this specific subcategory.
• Do not use this code for syphilis identified during pregnancy but not complicating the delivery; instead, use codes from O98.11- for syphilis complicating pregnancy.