P54.1

P54.1

Billable

Neonatal melena

This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).

What This Code Means

Black, tarry stools in a newborn caused by bleeding in the digestive tract, indicating the presence of digested blood.

Coding Tips

•Melena indicates upper or proximal small bowel bleeding; distinguish from bright red blood per rectum which suggests lower GI bleeding
•Document whether the blood is from the newborn or swallowed maternal blood, as maternal blood passage is common and less concerning

Excludes 1 — Do NOT code together

neonatal melena due to swallowed maternal blood (P78.2)

Code Hierarchy

└P54Other neonatal hemorrhages └P54.1Neonatal melena