Major laceration of unspecified vertebral artery, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a significant tear or cut in an unspecified vertebral artery. This could include conditions like chronic pain, neurological deficits, or vascular insufficiency that persist after the initial injury to the artery has healed. The "sequela" indicates that the acute phase of the laceration has passed.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition directly attributable to a previously sustained major laceration of an unspecified vertebral artery. Documentation should clearly link the current symptoms or diagnosis to the past arterial injury and indicate that the acute injury is no longer active. This code is appropriate for follow-up care related to the lasting effects of the trauma.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation(s) of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, neurological deficit).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "late effect," or clearly indicates a chronic condition resulting from a past vertebral artery laceration.
• Do not use this code for acute lacerations; instead, refer to the acute injury codes within the S15.12- category.