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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 15: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperiumO72

O72

Non-billable

Postpartum hemorrhage

Chapter 15:Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 O72 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postpartum hemorrhage (O72) refers to excessive bleeding following childbirth, which can occur either immediately after delivery or within the first 6 weeks postpartum. This condition is classified into two main types: primary postpartum hemorrhage, which occurs within the first 24 hours after delivery, and secondary postpartum hemorrhage, which occurs from 24 hours to 6 weeks postpartum. The clinical significance of postpartum hemorrhage lies in its potential to lead to severe maternal morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and managed. Factors contributing to postpartum hemorrhage include uterine atony, retained placental tissue, trauma during delivery, and coagulopathy. Proper identification and coding of this condition are crucial for effective treatment and management of the patient’s health status.

  • In terms of usage guidelines, O72 codes should be utilized when documenting cases of postpartum hemorrhage, ensuring that the specific type and cause of the hemorrhage are accurately captured. This coding is essential for appropriate clinical management, as well as for billing and reimbursement purposes. Healthcare providers must be diligent in assessing patients for signs of postpartum hemorrhage and documenting their findings thoroughly to support the use of O72 codes. Accurate coding not only facilitates proper reimbursement but also contributes to quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing maternal morbidity associated with postpartum complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of causes
  • Need for precise documentation
  • Potential for severe outcomes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation
  • Misclassification of hemorrhage type
  • Failure to capture all relevant clinical details

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical and administrative impact of the O72 code category is significant, as it directly relates to maternal health outcomes and quality of care. Accurate coding of postpartum hemorrhage is crucial for tracking and improving maternal morbidity rates, as well as for implementing quality measures aimed at reducing the incidence of this serious complication. By identifying trends in postpartum hemorrhage through coding data, healthcare organizations can develop targeted interventions and education programs to enhance patient care and outcomes.
From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence and causes of postpartum hemorrhage can inform public health initiatives and resource allocation. As healthcare trends increasingly focus on maternal health and safety, the effective use of O72 codes will play a vital role in shaping policies and practices aimed at improving the overall health of mothers and newborns. Additionally, the data collected through accurate coding can contribute to research efforts aimed at identifying risk factors and developing preventive strategies for postpartum hemorrhage.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical and administrative impact of the O72 code category is significant, as it directly relates to maternal health outcomes and quality of care. Accurate coding of postpartum hemorrhage is crucial for tracking and improving maternal morbidity rates, as well as for implementing quality measures aimed at reducing the incidence of this serious complication. By identifying trends in postpartum hemorrhage through coding data, healthcare organizations can develop targeted interventions and education programs to enhance patient care and outcomes. From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence and causes of postpartum hemorrhage can inform public health initiatives and resource allocation. As healthcare trends increasingly focus on maternal health and safety, the effective use of O72 codes will play a vital role in shaping policies and practices aimed at improving the overall health of mothers and newborns. Additionally, the data collected through accurate coding can contribute to research efforts aimed at identifying...

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement, as payers often require specific documentation to justify the use of O72 codes. Additionally, understanding the nuances of billing for postpartum complications can help healthcare providers avoid denials and ensure timely payment.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for O72

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for O72

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in O72?

O72 includes both primary and secondary postpartum hemorrhage, which can arise from various causes such as uterine atony, retained placenta, or trauma during delivery.

When should I use O72 codes?

O72 codes should be used when there is documented evidence of postpartum hemorrhage, either primary or secondary, and the specific type and cause are identified.

What documentation is required for O72?

Documentation must include details about the timing of the hemorrhage, any interventions performed, and the underlying causes contributing to the hemorrhage.