Neonatal rectal hemorrhage

This code signifies bleeding from the rectum in a newborn. It indicates a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal issue rather than a definitive diagnosis of the cause.

Assign this code when documentation specifies rectal bleeding in a neonate (birth to 28 days old). This typically presents as blood in the stool or visible bleeding from the anus. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the observation of rectal hemorrhage in a newborn.

• Always search for an underlying cause of the hemorrhage; this code is a symptom code.
• Do not confuse with codes for gastrointestinal hemorrhage in older infants or children.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis if a definitive cause of the bleeding is identified and coded.