O87.0
Superficial thrombophlebitis in the puerperium
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Use Additional Code
- code, if applicable, to identify the superficial vein thrombosis, such as thrombosis of superficial vessels of lower extremities (I80.0-)
Inclusion Terms
- Puerperal phlebitis NOS
- Puerperal thrombosis NOS
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Superficial thrombophlebitis in the puerperium refers to inflammation and clot formation in a superficial vein, occurring after childbirth. This condition is a subset of puerperal thrombophlebitis, which is associated with the period following delivery. It typically involves varicose veins or other superficial veins of the legs or pelvis, presenting as painful, inflamed veins. Recognizing this condition is critical for timely management and to prevent complications, although it generally has a good prognosis with appropriate care.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Blood stasis in superficial veins after childbirth due to prolonged immobilization or inactivity Vessel wall injury from trauma during delivery or invasive procedures Hypercoagulable state induced by pregnancy-related hormonal changes Presence of varicose veins that predispose to clot formation Infection or local skin injury leading to inflammation and clot development
Key Symptoms: Localized redness and warmth over the affected vein Swelling in the area of the affected vein Pain or tenderness along the course of the vein, often described as aching or throbbing Palpable firm, cord-like structure beneath the skin Possible slight elevation of temperature in the neighborhood
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical examination, noting characteristic signs such as tenderness, redness, and palpable cords. Additional imaging such as Doppler ultrasound can confirm the presence of a superficial vein clot and rule out deep vein thrombosis. Blood tests may be performed to exclude infection or other coagulation issues, but imaging remains the gold standard for diagnosis. It is important to differentiate superficial thrombophlebitis from more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis to guide proper management.
Treatment Protocols: Keeping the affected limb elevated to reduce swelling and discomfort Applying warm compresses to alleviate pain and promote blood flow Use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, to decrease inflammation Encouraging early mobilization and gentle activity to improve circulation Elastic compression stockings may be recommended in some cases Anticoagulant therapy is usually not required for superficial thrombophlebitis unless there are additional risk factors Monitoring for signs of progression to deeper veins or complications Addressing any underlying factors such as varicose veins or infection
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is O87.0 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, O87.0 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report O87.0?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Superficial thrombophlebitis in the puerperium and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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