Liver and biliary tract disorders in the puerperium

This code signifies the presence of disorders affecting the liver or biliary system that arise during the puerperium, the period immediately following childbirth. These conditions can range from cholestasis of pregnancy persisting postpartum to cholecystitis or hepatitis developing after delivery. It specifically indicates that the liver or biliary issue is a complication of the recent pregnancy.

Assign this code when a patient experiences a new or exacerbated liver or biliary tract disorder within the puerperal period (typically up to six weeks postpartum). Documentation should clearly link the liver/biliary condition to the postpartum state, such as "postpartum cholestasis" or "cholecystitis in the puerperium." This code is used in conjunction with a more specific code for the underlying liver or biliary condition.

• Always sequence a more specific code for the actual liver or biliary condition (e.g., K71.0 for cholestasis, K81.0 for acute cholecystitis) as a secondary diagnosis.
• Do not use this code for pre-existing liver or biliary conditions that are not exacerbated by or directly related to the puerperium.
• Ensure documentation specifies the postpartum onset or exacerbation of the liver/biliary disorder to support the use of this code.