Postmenopausal bleeding

This code represents any vaginal bleeding that occurs in a woman who has been amenorrheic for at least 12 consecutive months, indicating the cessation of menstrual cycles. It signifies bleeding from the genital tract after menopause has been established.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient experiencing vaginal bleeding after a confirmed period of menopause. This typically applies to women over 50 years old, but can be used for younger women with surgically or chemically induced menopause. Documentation should specify the onset of bleeding relative to the last menstrual period.

• Always query for the underlying cause of the bleeding if not documented, as postmenopausal bleeding is a symptom, not a definitive diagnosis.
• Do not confuse with abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women (e.g., 626.x codes).
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the reason for the encounter is the investigation or management of the bleeding itself, followed by any definitive diagnosis found.