O16: ICD10 Code for Unspecified maternal hypertension

O16 refers to Unspecified maternal hypertension, covering various hypertensive and fluid retention complications during pregnancy, ranging from mild gestational hypertension to severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, all requiring vigilant monitoring and intervention.

Symptoms

• Elevated blood pressure – Seen in pre-existing (O10, O11) or gestational hypertension (O13)
• Proteinuria – A hallmark of pre-eclampsia (O14)
• Generalized swelling (edema) – Especially with gestational edema and proteinuria (O12)
• Seizures – Defining feature of eclampsia (O15)
• Visual disturbances or severe headaches – Warning signs of worsening hypertensive disorders

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Unspecified maternal hypertension involves regular blood pressure monitoring, urinalysis for proteinuria, assessment of symptoms like headaches and vision changes, fetal surveillance (ultrasound, non-stress testing), and laboratory evaluations (renal function, liver enzymes, platelet counts).

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code O16 is used by obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, midwives, and primary care providers to document and manage hypertensive and high-risk pregnancy conditions requiring close supervision to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

Related Codes

• O09 – Supervision of high risk pregnancy
• O10 – Pre-existing hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
• O11 – Pre-existing hypertension with pre-eclampsia
• O12 – Gestational edema and proteinuria without hypertension
• O13 – Gestational hypertension without significant proteinuria
• O14 – Pre-eclampsia
• O15 – Eclampsia

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code O16?
A: It refers to Unspecified maternal hypertension, documenting hypertensive disorders and high-risk pregnancy situations requiring enhanced maternal care and monitoring.

Q2: What differentiates gestational hypertension (O13) from pre-eclampsia (O14)?
A: Gestational hypertension occurs without proteinuria, while pre-eclampsia involves hypertension plus proteinuria or organ dysfunction.

Q3: What is eclampsia (O15)?
A: Eclampsia is the onset of seizures in a woman with pre-eclampsia, representing a life-threatening obstetric emergency.

Q4: How is high-risk pregnancy (O09) managed?
A: Through frequent prenatal visits, ultrasounds, lab monitoring, blood pressure control, and early delivery planning if complications arise.

Q5: How serious is maternal hypertension during pregnancy?
A: If uncontrolled, it can lead to preterm birth, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, or maternal organ failure.

Conclusion

ICD10 code O16 ensures thorough documentation and proactive management of Unspecified maternal hypertension, protecting both maternal and fetal health through early detection, close monitoring, and appropriate obstetric interventions.