Contusion of lung, bilateral, sequela

This code signifies a bruise to both lungs that is a lasting effect or complication of a previous injury. It indicates that the initial traumatic event causing the lung contusion has passed, but the patient continues to experience residual symptoms or conditions directly attributable to that bilateral lung injury.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing issues, such as chronic pain, respiratory compromise, or fibrotic changes, that are directly linked to a past bilateral lung contusion. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing the long-term consequences of such an injury, not the initial acute event.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous bilateral lung contusion.
• Do not use this code for the initial acute injury; instead, use the appropriate acute contusion code.
• Consider additional codes for specific sequelae, such as chronic respiratory insufficiency, if documented.