Abrasion of unspecified ear, sequela

This code indicates a superficial injury to an unspecified ear, characterized by a scrape or rub that has removed the outer layer of skin, and is being reported as a late effect or complication of an initial injury. It signifies that the abrasion itself is no longer an active injury but rather a residual condition or scar resulting from a previous ear abrasion.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a patient is presenting for a condition that is a direct consequence or sequela of a previously sustained abrasion to an unspecified ear. This is appropriate for chronic pain, scarring, or other long-term effects directly attributable to the original abrasion. The medical record must explicitly link the current condition to the past ear abrasion.

• Requires a seventh character "S" to indicate sequela, meaning the patient is seen for a complication or late effect of the initial injury.
• Always sequence this code after the code(s) for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., scar, chronic pain).
• Do not use for active, acute abrasions; those would be coded with the appropriate acute injury code without the "S" seventh character.