Open bite of vocal cord, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from an open injury to the vocal cord. It indicates that the initial traumatic event has resolved, but a persistent open wound or defect of the vocal cord remains, impacting its function. This could manifest as chronic hoarseness, dysphonia, or difficulty breathing due to the structural alteration.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a current open bite injury of the vocal cord that is a residual effect of a previous acute injury. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the patient is being treated for the lasting consequences of the original trauma, not the acute injury itself. Documentation should specify the "sequela" nature of the open bite.

• Always sequence this code after the code for the primary condition or manifestation being treated, if applicable.
• Do not use this code for acute open bite injuries; those require an acute injury code.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "late effect," or similar terminology to support the use of the 7th character 'S'.