Viral hepatitis complicating childbirth

This code signifies the presence of viral hepatitis in a patient during the postpartum period, specifically when the hepatitis is considered a complication of the childbirth event. It indicates that the viral infection, which may have been pre-existing or acquired during pregnancy, has manifested or worsened in relation to the delivery.

Use this code when documentation clearly states that a patient experienced viral hepatitis as a complication during or after childbirth, extending through the puerperium. This includes cases where the hepatitis exacerbates due to the physiological stress of delivery or presents with new symptoms in the immediate postpartum period.

• Always sequence this code after the primary obstetric code indicating the type of delivery.
• Ensure documentation specifies "complicating childbirth" or a similar phrase linking the hepatitis to the delivery event.
• Do not use this code for viral hepatitis present during pregnancy without documented complications related to childbirth; refer to codes in chapter 15 for those scenarios.