Injury of peripheral nerves of thorax, sequela

This code signifies the long-term effects or complications arising from a past injury to the peripheral nerves located within the thoracic region. These sequelae can include persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or altered sensation in the chest wall, intercostal spaces, or diaphragm, resulting from nerve damage that occurred previously.

This code is appropriate when documenting conditions such as chronic intercostal neuralgia, persistent diaphragmatic paralysis, or long-term sensory deficits in the chest wall, all directly attributable to an old injury of the thoracic peripheral nerves. It should be used when the acute phase of the original injury has passed, and the patient is presenting for treatment or evaluation of these lasting effects.

• Always assign this "S" seventh character for sequela when the patient is seen for complications or conditions resulting from a previous injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms or condition to a past injury of the thoracic peripheral nerves.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for specific neurological deficits (e.g., pain, paralysis) if further specificity is needed and supported by documentation.