In ICD-10-CM, what is considered a "complication"?

A complication in ICD-10-CM refers to problems that arise as a result of medical or surgical treatment. This definition captures scenarios where adverse outcomes occur due to interventions intended to improve a patient's health. For instance, if a surgical procedure leads to an infection or other negative health impacts, these are classified as complications because they complicate the patient's overall health status and often require additional treatment or management.

While chronic illnesses and late effects of previous conditions may alter a patient's health landscape, they do not fit the specific definition of complications that arise from medical or surgical interventions. A condition that is unrelated to the primary diagnosis also does not qualify as a complication. Thus, the key aspect of the correct answer lies in its focus on the direct consequences that stem from treatment procedures, highlighting the importance of understanding how medical interventions can sometimes lead to unintended outcomes.