Incompetence of cervix

This code describes a condition where the uterine cervix prematurely dilates or effaces during the second trimester of pregnancy, often leading to miscarriage or preterm birth. It signifies a structural or functional weakness of the cervix that prevents it from retaining the pregnancy.

Use this code when the patient's medical record clearly documents a diagnosis of cervical incompetence, often based on a history of recurrent second-trimester losses, physical examination findings (e.g., cervical dilation without contractions), or ultrasound measurements (e.g., short cervical length). It is typically assigned during pregnancy when this condition is identified as a cause or risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

• Do not confuse with other cervical conditions like cervicitis or cervical erosion, which have different underlying etiologies.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter, especially for procedures like cerclage.
• Ensure documentation specifies "incompetence" rather than just "short cervix" if the latter is not explicitly linked to functional incompetence.