Contusion of bilateral front wall of thorax, sequela

This code signifies a bruise or contusion affecting both the left and right anterior chest wall, indicating a past injury where the patient is now experiencing residual effects or complications. These sequelae might include chronic pain, scarring, or persistent tenderness resulting from the initial trauma to the chest.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a contusion to both sides of the front of the thorax, and the patient is being treated for a long-term consequence or late effect of that injury. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the acute injury has resolved, but related issues persist.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "bilateral" involvement of the front wall of the thorax.
• Confirm the encounter is for a sequela, not an acute injury or initial treatment.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain).