Sepsis following incomplete spontaneous abortion
ICD-10 O03.37 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sepsis following incomplete spontaneous abortion.
Sepsis following an incomplete spontaneous abortion is a serious obstetric condition that arises when a miscarriage occurs but not all of the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus. This can lead to infection, which may progress to sepsis, a life-threatening systemic response to infection. Incomplete spontaneous abortion typically occurs in the first trimester, but can happen at any stage of pregnancy. Factors contributing to cervical incompetence, such as previous cervical surgery or trauma, can increase the risk of miscarriage. Emotional support is crucial for patients experiencing this condition, as it can be a traumatic event. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients receive appropriate counseling and follow-up care to address both physical and emotional health needs. The management of sepsis in this context often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and possibly surgical intervention to remove retained products of conception. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment and reimbursement.
Detailed documentation of the patient's obstetric history, the nature of the abortion, and any interventions performed.
Patients presenting with bleeding and cramping, followed by signs of infection such as fever and tachycardia.
Ensure that all aspects of care, including emotional support and follow-up, are documented to support coding.
Comprehensive documentation of high-risk factors, including previous pregnancy losses and cervical incompetence.
Management of patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss presenting with incomplete abortion.
Consideration of additional risk factors and the need for specialized care in high-risk pregnancies.
Used for surgical management of incomplete abortion with sepsis.
Document indication for D&C, including signs of infection.
Obstetricians should ensure that the procedure is justified based on clinical findings.
Documentation should include the type of abortion, the presence of sepsis, clinical symptoms, and any treatments provided, including emotional support.
