What does ICD-10 code O88 mean?

ICD-10 code O88 is the standardized code used for obstetric embolism in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code O88 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code O88 when recording obstetric embolism in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code O88 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code O88: Obstetric embolism

Name: ICD-10 Code O88: Obstetric embolism
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:28:29.422Z

O88 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Obstetric embolism. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents obstetric embolism in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

15Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)

block

O85-O92Complications predominantly related to the puerperium

currentO85-O92

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)

embolism complicating abortion NOS (O03.2)
embolism complicating ectopic or molar pregnancy (O08.2)
embolism complicating failed attempted abortion (O07.2)
embolism complicating induced abortion (O04.7)
embolism complicating spontaneous abortion (O03.2, O03.7)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

ObstetricianGynecologist

Sibling codes

O85Puerperal sepsisbillable O86Other puerperal infections O87Venous complications and hemorrhoids in the puerperium O89Complications of anesthesia during the puerperium O90Complications of the puerperium, not elsewhere classified O91Infections of breast associated with pregnancy, the puerperium and lactation O92Other disorders of breast and disorders of lactation associated with pregnancy and the puerperium

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

O88

Common synonyms

Obstetric embolism

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.