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Alternative Terms for Abortion
In clinical practice and medical documentation, multiple terms are used to describe abortion depending on the mechanism, timing, and clinical context. These terms help distinguish spontaneous pregnancy loss from induced procedures and support accurate diagnosis and coding.
When gestational age is uncertain, a birthweight threshold of less than 500 grams may be used to define an abortive outcome.
Understanding Abortion in ICD-11
Abortion is classified under ICD-11 code JA00 and refers to the termination of a pregnancy prior to fetal viability. This includes both spontaneous pregnancy loss and induced termination occurring before 22 completed weeks of gestation.
The category is part of the ICD-11 chapter on Pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium and represents a direct obstetric outcome. Accurate classification is important for clinical care, reporting, and population health statistics.
ICD-11 Coding for Abortion Outcomes
The ICD-11 system provides granular coding to distinguish between different abortion types and clinical circumstances. These codes fall within the JA00–JA0Z range, which denotes abortive outcomes of pregnancy.
When Patients Should Seek Medical Advice
Any suspected pregnancy loss requires medical evaluation, regardless of whether it is spontaneous or follows an induced procedure. Early assessment helps identify retained tissue, infection, or excessive bleeding.
Prompt care is particularly important to prevent complications such as haemorrhage, sepsis, or future reproductive harm.
Diagnosing Abortion
The diagnosis of abortion is based on clinical presentation and confirmatory investigations. The diagnostic approach varies depending on gestational age, symptom severity, and whether the abortion was spontaneous or induced.
Ultrasound imaging is commonly used to assess fetal viability and detect retained products of conception. Laboratory tests may support diagnosis and guide management.
Coding and Documentation for Abortion
Abortion is classified as a direct obstetric cause within ICD-11. Comprehensive documentation is essential to ensure correct code assignment and accurate reporting.
Additional codes such as JA05 may be used to specify complications following abortion, including infection, haemorrhage, or shock. Accurate coding supports morbidity and mortality surveillance and healthcare planning.
Are Abortion ICD codes billable
ICD-11 codes within the JA00–JA0Z range are billable when supported by appropriate clinical documentation. These codes may be used in inpatient and outpatient settings for diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of abortion and related complications.
Clear documentation of gestational age, clinical findings, and associated complications improves coding accuracy and reimbursement reliability.
Related Conditions in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Within the ICD-11 framework, abortion is grouped with other early pregnancy outcomes. Related conditions include ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, and complications following abortion.
Codes JA00–JB4Z, along with 1C14, are designated as direct obstetric causes and are used for population health reporting and maternal outcome analysis.
