Complete lesion at T7-T10, sequela

This code signifies a complete transection or severe damage to the thoracic spinal cord, specifically affecting the T7 through T10 vertebral levels. "Complete lesion" indicates a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site. "Sequela" denotes that this is a late effect or residual condition of an initial injury, not the acute event itself.

This code is appropriate for documenting the long-term neurological deficits, such as paraplegia, resulting from a past complete spinal cord injury at the T7-T10 level. It should be used for follow-up encounters and chronic management of patients whose initial injury has healed, but who continue to experience the permanent consequences.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the primary condition or reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "complete lesion" and specifies the T7-T10 level.
• Confirm that the encounter is for the chronic effects (sequela) and not the initial acute injury.