Which ICD-10-CM code describes hemorrhoids complicating pregnancy?

Which ICD-10-CM code describes hemorrhoids complicating pregnancy?

• A. O22.42
• B. O22.41
• C. O22.43
• D. O22.40

Answer: (A)

When a condition is described as a complication of pregnancy, the code used comes from the obstetric section that designates the specific complication in pregnancy. Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are coded within the O22.4x family, where the base is O22.4 for hemorrhoids complicating pregnancy and the final digit shows the trimester or unspecified status. The chosen code specifies the second trimester, so it communicates both the complication (hemorrhoids) and the timing (second trimester) during pregnancy. If the trimester aren’t documented, you’d use the unspecified form, O22.40. The other trimester variants would only be correct if the documentation clearly states a different trimester.

When a condition is described as a complication of pregnancy, the code used comes from the obstetric section that designates the specific complication in pregnancy. Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are coded within the O22.4x family, where the base is O22.4 for hemorrhoids complicating pregnancy and the final digit shows the trimester or unspecified status. The chosen code specifies the second trimester, so it communicates both the complication (hemorrhoids) and the timing (second trimester) during pregnancy. If the trimester aren’t documented, you’d use the unspecified form, O22.40. The other trimester variants would only be correct if the documentation clearly states a different trimester.