Psychological abuse complicating the puerperium

This code signifies mental or emotional mistreatment of a patient during the postpartum period, which negatively impacts her health or recovery. It encompasses behaviors such as intimidation, humiliation, or control that cause psychological distress or harm. The abuse complicates the physiological and psychological adjustments occurring after childbirth.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates psychological abuse occurring during the puerperium (postpartum period) and that this abuse is complicating the patient's recovery or well-being. Supporting documentation would include provider notes detailing the nature of the abuse, its impact on the patient, and the timeframe of its occurrence relative to childbirth.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the psychological abuse to the puerperium and states it is a "complication."
• Do not confuse with codes for physical or sexual abuse; this code is specific to psychological abuse.
• Always sequence this code after the primary obstetric code if the abuse is a complication of the pregnancy/puerperium.