Code Also Notes in Chapter 15: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium ICD-10-CM
A Code Also note means two codes may be needed to fully describe a condition; it gives no sequencing direction. In Chapter 15 (O00-O9A), notes printed in the chapter name other codes 2 times, and Code Also Notes anywhere in the Tabular List name the chapter’s codes 3 times, covering 3 distinct codes, categories and ranges. Switch views to read the list either way.
Code Also Notes by the code that carries the note
- I16.1 Hypertensive emergency: eclampsia (O15.-)
- O72.0 Third-stage hemorrhage: type of adherent placenta (O43.2-)
- O72.0 Third-stage hemorrhage
- O43.2 Morbidly adherent placenta: associated third stage postpartum hemorrhage, if applicable (O72.0)
The first view lists notes printed in this chapter (a note on a category or block applies to every code beneath it). The second lists codes of this chapter named by Code Also Notes anywhere in the Tabular List, including notes in other chapters.
Questions About Code Also Notes
What does a Code Also note mean?
A Code Also note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but it does not give sequencing direction (Section I.A.17). The FY 2027 Tabular List has 689 of them; 495 name other codes, with 538 references to 349 distinct codes, categories and ranges.
Which code goes first with a Code Also note?
The note does not decide it. Sequencing depends on the circumstances of the encounter: normally the condition that is the main reason for the visit goes first.
Related References
Source: FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List (CMS and NCHS) and the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2027, Section I.A. ICD List is not affiliated with CMS or NCHS.
