ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF53.1

F53.1

Billable

Puerperal psychosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F53.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puerperal psychosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Puerperal psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur in women following childbirth, typically within the first few weeks postpartum. It is characterized by a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, which may include hallucinations, delusions, severe mood swings, and disorganized thinking. Women experiencing puerperal psychosis may exhibit significant changes in behavior, including withdrawal from social interactions, inability to care for themselves or their newborn, and potential risk of harm to themselves or their child. The condition is often linked to underlying mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, and may require immediate psychiatric intervention. Treatment typically involves hospitalization, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the safety of both the mother and the infant.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other postpartum mood disorders
  • Need for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
  • Potential overlap with other mental health conditions
  • Documentation of acute symptoms and their impact on functioning

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and severity
  • Failure to note the acute onset of symptoms
  • Misclassification with less severe postpartum mood disorders
  • Lack of evidence for hospitalization or treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Detailed psychiatric evaluation notes, including symptom onset, severity, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute psychosis after childbirth, requiring hospitalization and medication management.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the patient's mental status and any risk factors for harm.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive prenatal and postpartum assessments, including mental health screenings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Postpartum patients exhibiting signs of severe mood disturbances or psychosis.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with psychiatric services for comprehensive care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F53.1 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, F53
  • 1 should be used when a patient presents with acute psychotic symptoms following childbirth
  • It is essential to document the onset, duration, and severity of symptoms, as well as any treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F53.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, typically involving a detailed history and examination.

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with puerperal psychosis is admitted for psychiatric evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the patient's mental status, history, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Psychiatrists should ensure that all relevant psychiatric assessments are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puerperal psychosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. It has also facilitated better understanding of the condition's prevalence and management in postpartum women.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puerperal psychosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. It has also facilitated better understanding of the condition's prevalence and management in postpartum women.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puerperal psychosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. It has also facilitated better understanding of the condition's prevalence and management in postpartum women.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Postpartum Psychosis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Postpartum Psychosis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main symptoms of puerperal psychosis?

Main symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, severe mood swings, and disorganized thinking, which can significantly impair a mother's ability to care for herself and her newborn.