2025 ICD-10-CM code O87.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Complications predominantly related to the puerperium - Venous complications and hemorrhoids in the puerperium Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A) Feed
Varicose veins of the lower extremity occurring during the puerperium (the period after childbirth).
Modifiers may be used depending on the circumstances of the visit and services provided (e.g., place of service, type of visit, etc.). Consult the appropriate payer guidelines for permissible modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptomatic varicose veins in the lower extremities, directly related to the pregnancy or exacerbated during the puerperium. The severity of symptoms (pain, swelling, cosmetic concerns) should be documented to support the need for evaluation and management.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Vascular Surgeon (if surgical intervention is required)
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
- O87 (Venous complications and hemorrhoids in the puerperium)
In simple words: This code is used when a woman develops or gets worse varicose veins (swollen, twisted veins) in her legs after giving birth.
This code signifies varicose veins affecting the lower extremities that develop or are exacerbated during the puerperium, the postpartum period following childbirth.It specifically refers to the condition's onset or worsening after delivery, distinguishing it from varicose veins unrelated to pregnancy or childbirth.The diagnosis requires clinical evaluation, including patient history and physical examination, to confirm the timing and association with the puerperium.
Example 1: A 32-year-old woman presents with worsening varicose veins in her left leg six weeks postpartum.She reports increased pain and swelling, particularly noticeable after prolonged standing.Physical examination confirms the presence of tortuous, dilated veins., A 28-year-old primiparous woman is seen for a postpartum checkup one month after a vaginal delivery. She mentions that her legs feel heavier and she notes new varicosities in her right calf.A Doppler ultrasound is ordered to rule out deep vein thrombosis., A 40-year-old multiparous patient develops significant leg pain and edema in both lower extremities two weeks after a cesarean section.She has a history of varicose veins, but these have worsened significantly postpartum.A venous duplex ultrasound is performed to evaluate for DVT and to assess the severity of the varicose veins.
Complete history of the patient's pregnancy, delivery (vaginal or Cesarean), and postpartum course. Detailed description of the varicose veins, including location, size, and associated symptoms (pain, swelling, discoloration). Results of any relevant diagnostic tests (e.g., Doppler ultrasound).
** This code should only be used on the maternal record. It is crucial to carefully distinguish between varicose veins related to the puerperium and those unrelated to pregnancy or childbirth.Appropriate imaging (Doppler ultrasound) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Birthing Center