Drug use complicating the puerperium

This code identifies complications arising from drug use (including illicit substances, prescription drug misuse, or adverse effects of therapeutic drugs) during the puerperium, which is the period from childbirth until approximately six weeks postpartum. It indicates that the drug use is directly impacting the mother's recovery or health during this specific timeframe.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links drug use to an adverse health event or condition occurring in the postpartum period. This includes scenarios such as withdrawal symptoms, overdose, drug-induced psychosis, or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions due to substance use during the puerperium. Supporting documentation should specify the drug use and its complicating effect on the mother's postpartum state.

• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the specific complication or condition caused by the drug use.
• Do not use this code for drug use during pregnancy (O99.32- series) or for drug dependence without a current complication.
• Ensure documentation specifies "puerperium" or "postpartum" to differentiate from other periods of drug use.