2025 ICD-10-CM code O88.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium - Complications predominantly related to the puerperium (O85-O92) Chapter 10: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A) Feed
Obstetric pyemic and septic embolism:A serious condition involving blood clots containing pathogens that block blood vessels during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period.
Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical findings indicative of infection and the confirmed diagnosis of septic embolism. This typically involves clinical symptoms, laboratory evidence of infection, and imaging findings showing evidence of emboli.Treatment is critical to prevent organ damage and mortality.
The clinical responsibility falls upon the obstetrician/gynecologist or the managing physician for managing the complications of this obstetric emergency.This may involve administering antibiotics, supportive care, and monitoring for organ dysfunction.
- Chapter 10: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
- O85-O92: Complications predominantly related to the puerperium
In simple words: This code describes a serious complication during or after pregnancy where a blood clot containing harmful bacteria blocks a blood vessel.It can cause pain, swelling, and other serious health problems.
Obstetric pyemic and septic embolism (O88.3) refers to a severe condition where blood vessels become blocked by a clot containing infectious agents (pathogens). This occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period (puerperium). The embolism can cause various symptoms, including pain, tissue damage, and swelling in the affected area.The condition is characterized by the presence of pathogens or their toxins spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream, potentially leading to organ damage and severe illness. Symptoms can include fever, rapid pulse and breathing, confusion, and sleepiness.
Example 1: A 32-year-old woman, two weeks postpartum, presents with high fever, chills, and shortness of breath.Blood cultures reveal a positive result for Staphylococcus aureus.Imaging studies confirm a pulmonary embolism consistent with septic embolism., A 28-year-old woman in her third trimester develops sudden onset of severe leg pain, swelling, and warmth in her right calf.Ultrasound confirms deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and further investigation reveals evidence of septic emboli., A 25-year-old woman, following a Cesarean section, experiences fever, tachycardia, and hypotension.Blood tests indicate sepsis, and imaging confirms the presence of septic emboli.
Detailed medical history, including pregnancy history, labor and delivery notes, postpartum course, complete physical examination, laboratory results (blood cultures, complete blood count, coagulation studies), imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound).
** This is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The severity of the condition can vary depending on the location and extent of the embolism, and the type of pathogen involved.Specific treatment plans will vary. Always ensure proper documentation to support coding decisions.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided and the payer. Consult your local coding guidelines.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes. Reimbursement is determined by the procedures and services provided and the payer's fee schedule.
- 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, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital