Contusion of lung, unilateral, sequela

This code signifies a bruise to a single lung that is no longer in its acute phase, but rather represents a long-term effect or complication of the initial injury. It indicates that the patient is presenting for care related to the lasting impact of a past lung contusion, such as chronic pain, respiratory compromise, or scarring.

Apply this code when a patient is being treated for a residual condition or late effect directly attributable to a previously sustained unilateral lung contusion. This would include follow-up appointments for ongoing respiratory issues, chronic pain management, or evaluation of persistent imaging findings related to the old injury. Do not use for the initial injury or during the active healing phase.

• Always assign an additional code to specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic respiratory failure, pleural thickening).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the unilateral nature of the original contusion and that the current presentation is a late effect.
• Distinguish carefully from active contusions, which would use codes from the acute injury series.