2025 ICD-10-CM code O87.8
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Complications predominantly related to the puerperium - Other venous complications in the puerperium Chapter 15: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A) Feed
This code signifies other venous complications occurring in the puerperium (the period after childbirth).
Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinically significant venous complication in the postpartum period requiring medical intervention, such as anticoagulation therapy or other treatment modalities. The documentation must support the diagnosis and the need for treatment.
The clinical responsibility rests with the obstetrician or gynecologist managing the postpartum patient.They should assess the venous complication, order appropriate diagnostic tests (such as ultrasound or D-dimer testing), and determine the necessary treatment plan.
- Chapter 15: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
- O87 (Venous complications and hemorrhoids in the puerperium)
In simple words: This code is for any blood clot issues in a mother's veins after childbirth that aren't specifically listed by other medical codes. This can include blood clots in the legs, pelvis, or other areas.
ICD-10-CM code O87.8, "Other venous complications in the puerperium," is used to classify various venous complications that arise during the postpartum period (the six weeks following childbirth).These complications are not otherwise specified by more specific codes within the O87 category.The puerperium encompasses the period of physiological readjustment following delivery, including involution of the uterus and hormonal shifts.Venous complications during this time may include, but are not limited to, pelvic vein thrombosis,superficial thrombophlebitis not otherwise specified, or varicose veins that are significantly exacerbated post-partum.This code should only be applied to the maternal record and not to the newborn's record.It's crucial to accurately document the specific venous complication for optimal coding.
Example 1: A 30-year-old woman presents to her postpartum checkup six days after vaginal delivery complaining of pain and swelling in her left calf.Ultrasound confirms a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).However, because it is a deep vein thrombosis, and more specific codes exist, O87.8 is not the best code in this case. Instead, a more specific code should be used., A 25-year-old woman is seen post-partum for worsening varicose veins in both lower extremities following a vaginal delivery.Her symptoms are significantly more pronounced than pre-pregnancy. The physician documents worsening of pre-existing varicose veins.This could be coded as O87.4 if significantly worsened after delivery. If not significantly worse, a different code would be used., A 35-year-old woman experiences pelvic pain and discomfort four weeks postpartum.Imaging reveals a pelvic vein thrombosis.While the physician documents pelvic vein thrombosis, again, a more specific code would likely be preferred.
Complete documentation should include the patient's history, physical exam findings, results of any diagnostic imaging (such as ultrasound or venography), and the physician's diagnosis and treatment plan.The documentation must clearly indicate the venous complication occurred in the puerperium (within six weeks postpartum).
** Always cross-reference with other codes within the O87 category to ensure the most accurate and specific code is selected.Remember this code is exclusively for maternal records and should not be used for newborns.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services rendered and the payer.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes; they are linked to CPT codes and are dependent on factors such as geographic location, facility type, and payer.
- Global Days : Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Fee Schedule : Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital