Neonatal hematemesis

This code signifies the vomiting of blood by a newborn infant, indicating upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The blood may appear fresh red or as "coffee grounds" due to gastric acid interaction. It represents a symptom requiring further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Assign this code when documentation clearly states a neonate is experiencing hematemesis, and the source of the blood is intrinsic to the infant's gastrointestinal system. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the observation of blood in emesis, diagnostic work-up findings, and exclusion of swallowed maternal blood.

• Ensure documentation specifies the hematemesis is neonatal (within the first 28 days of life).
• Carefully differentiate from P78.2; if the hematemesis is confirmed to be from swallowed maternal blood, use P78.2 instead.
• Always code the underlying cause of the hematemesis, if identified, as a secondary diagnosis.