2025 ICD-10-CM code O26.851
Spotting complicating pregnancy during the first trimester.
Medical necessity for the use of this code is established by the presence of spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy. The code justifies any evaluation and management services related to diagnosing and managing the spotting.
The healthcare provider is responsible for diagnosing and managing the spotting, including determining the cause and providing appropriate treatment or referral.
In simple words: This code indicates light bleeding from the vagina during the first three months of pregnancy.
This code describes spotting (light vaginal bleeding) that occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy (less than 14 weeks). It is used to document this specific complication when it arises during pregnancy.
Example 1: A pregnant woman at 10 weeks gestation presents with light vaginal bleeding. After examination and evaluation, the physician determines the cause to be hormonal changes and recommends rest., A pregnant woman at 12 weeks gestation experiences spotting after sexual intercourse.The physician performs an examination and determines no serious complications, advising her to avoid intercourse for a week., A 25-year-old woman presents to her OB/GYN at 8 weeks gestation with light vaginal bleeding that began 2 days prior. The bleeding is determined to be implantation bleeding, and she is reassured about its normalcy.
Documentation should include the type of bleeding (spotting), the trimester of pregnancy (first), the onset and duration of bleeding, any associated symptoms (e.g., pain, cramping), relevant history, and the results of any examinations or diagnostic tests performed.
** It is important to differentiate between normal spotting and bleeding that may indicate a more serious condition, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This requires careful evaluation by a healthcare professional.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, etc.