I.C.2.c.4)

Treatment of a complication resulting from a surgical procedure

When the admission/encounter is for treatment of a complication resulting from a surgical procedure, designate the complication as the principal or first-listed diagnosis if treatment is directed at resolving the complication.

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026 (effective October 1, 2025). Published by CMS and NCHS. Reproduced for reference — always verify against the official CMS release.