In simple words: Delayed postpartum bleeding is heavy bleeding from the uterus that happens more than one day after childbirth.This is different from early postpartum bleeding which occurs within the first day. It can be caused by leftover tissue in the womb or other problems after delivery.

Delayed and secondary postpartum hemorrhage (O72.2) is defined as excessive blood loss from uterine bleeding that occurs more than 24 hours after the delivery of the placenta.This is distinct from immediate postpartum hemorrhage which occurs within the first 24 hours.The diagnosis is typically applied when blood loss exceeds 500 ml following vaginal delivery or 1000 ml following a Cesarean section, or if the amount of blood loss negatively impacts maternal physiology (e.g., blood pressure, hematocrit).It can be caused by retained products of conception, uterine atony, or other complications.

Example 1: A 30-year-old woman, two days postpartum after vaginal delivery, presents with heavy vaginal bleeding and hypotension.She has a history of uterine atony.O72.2 is assigned., A 25-year-old woman, three days postpartum following Cesarean section, experiences significant bleeding.Ultrasound reveals retained placental fragments.O72.2 is coded along with a code specifying retained products of conception., A 35-year-old woman, five days postpartum after a vaginal delivery, reports heavy bleeding and is diagnosed with a postpartum infection. Blood loss exceeds 500 ml. O72.2 and additional codes for the infection are assigned.

** Delayed and secondary postpartum hemorrhage is a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.Accurate coding is critical for appropriate reimbursement and patient care.