In simple words: This code indicates that a woman who already had high blood pressure before pregnancy experienced complications related to her high blood pressure after giving birth.

This code describes a condition where a woman who already had essential hypertension (high blood pressure not caused by another medical condition) experiences complications related to this pre-existing condition during the period following childbirth (puerperium).

Example 1: A 35-year-old female with a history of essential hypertension delivers a healthy baby vaginally. During her postpartum stay, her blood pressure readings remain elevated despite continuing her usual antihypertensive medication. She is diagnosed with pre-existing essential hypertension complicating the puerperium (O10.03). , A 28-year-old female with pre-existing essential hypertension develops severe headaches and visual disturbances during the second week postpartum. After evaluation, she is found to have hypertensive encephalopathy, a complication of her pre-existing hypertension during the puerperium (O10.03)., A 40-year-old female with chronic essential hypertension gives birth via cesarean section. Five days postpartum, she experiences chest pain and shortness of breath. She is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction (heart attack) deemed to be related to her pre-existing hypertension, now complicating the puerperium (O10.03).

Documentation should include a history of essential hypertension prior to the pregnancy, blood pressure readings during and after delivery, presence of any signs or symptoms of hypertensive complications (e.g., headaches, visual disturbances, chest pain, edema), and any treatment provided.The timing of the complications concerning the puerperium should be clearly noted.

** This information is current as of December 1, 2024, and may be subject to change.Refer to the official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.