Termination of pregnancy (fetus)

This code signifies the deliberate ending of a pregnancy, resulting in the cessation of fetal life. It encompasses both spontaneous and induced terminations, regardless of the gestational age of the fetus. This diagnosis indicates the outcome of the pregnancy rather than the reason for the termination.

This code is used when the medical record clearly documents a termination of pregnancy, whether it was an elective abortion, a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), or a therapeutic abortion. Documentation should specify the outcome as a termination of pregnancy. It is often used in conjunction with codes describing the reason for the termination or complications.

• Do not use this code for live births, stillbirths, or ectopic pregnancies.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis indicating the reason for the termination (e.g., complications of pregnancy, fetal anomaly, or maternal condition).
• Ensure documentation differentiates between spontaneous and induced terminations, as this impacts other associated codes.