Alcohol use complicating the puerperium

This code signifies a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or problematic alcohol consumption occurring during the postpartum period. It indicates that the patient's alcohol use is a complicating factor in her recovery and overall health following childbirth.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states alcohol use (e.g., alcohol abuse, dependence, or hazardous use) is present and impacting the patient's health or management during the puerperium (up to one year postpartum). Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing alcohol consumption, its effects, or interventions related to alcohol during this specific timeframe.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the primary obstetric code for the puerperal condition or reason for encounter.
• Do not use this code for alcohol use that occurred only during pregnancy; refer to codes in category O99.31- for antepartum or O99.32- for childbirth.
• Ensure documentation specifies the alcohol use is complicating the puerperium, not merely a co-occurring condition.