Cervical shortening, third trimester

This code signifies a premature effacement or shortening of the uterine cervix identified during the third trimester of pregnancy. This condition can indicate an increased risk of preterm labor and delivery.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states cervical shortening or effacement is present in a pregnant patient during her third trimester. This diagnosis is typically made via transvaginal ultrasound measurements.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "third trimester" for accurate code assignment.
• Do not confuse with codes for incompetent cervix (N88.3) unless specifically documented as such.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary obstetric encounter code (e.g., O09.- for supervision of high-risk pregnancy).