Spotting complicating pregnancy, third trimester

This code signifies the occurrence of vaginal bleeding, typically light and intermittent, during the third trimester of pregnancy. It indicates that the spotting is considered a complication of the pregnancy itself, rather than an expected physiological event. The bleeding is not severe enough to be classified as hemorrhage but warrants medical attention due to its potential implications for maternal and fetal health.

Apply this code when a pregnant patient in her third trimester presents with documented spotting, and the physician explicitly states it is a complication of the pregnancy. This includes instances where the cause of the spotting is undetermined but is being managed as a pregnancy-related issue. Documentation should clearly indicate "spotting" and "third trimester."

• Ensure the documentation specifies "spotting" and not heavier bleeding, which would indicate a different code.
• Verify the gestational age falls within the third trimester (28 weeks 0 days to delivery).
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when a more specific complication (e.g., placenta previa, abruption) is identified as the cause of the spotting.