Puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified ear, sequela

This code signifies a puncture wound of an unspecified ear that has a retained foreign body, and the encounter is for the sequelae or late effects of this injury. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but ongoing problems or complications related to the foreign body are being addressed.

Use this code when a patient presents for treatment of a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a puncture wound of the ear that involved a foreign body. Documentation should clearly state the foreign body is still present and the current encounter addresses a sequela, not the initial acute injury.

• Requires a seventh character "S" for sequela, indicating a late effect.
• Do not use for initial encounters or subsequent encounters for active treatment of the acute injury.
• Ensure documentation specifies the presence of a foreign body and that the current visit is for a complication or residual effect.