Contusion of unspecified back wall of thorax, sequela

This code signifies a bruise or injury to the soft tissues of the posterior chest wall, which is a residual effect or complication of an initial injury. It indicates that the contusion itself is no longer an acute injury but rather a long-term consequence.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with persistent pain, tenderness, or other symptoms directly attributable to a contusion of the back of the thorax that occurred in the past. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the initial injury has resolved but its lasting impact is being addressed.

• Always append a 7th character "S" for sequela when the encounter is for the long-term effects of the contusion.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms to a previously sustained contusion of the posterior thorax.
• Avoid using this code for acute contusions; those require an initial or subsequent encounter 7th character.