Other injuries of lung, bilateral, sequela

This code signifies the long-term effects or complications arising from a past injury to both lungs, excluding specific types like contusions or lacerations. It indicates that the patient is currently experiencing residual issues directly attributable to a previous, non-specified traumatic event affecting both pulmonary organs.

This code is appropriate when documenting a patient presenting with chronic respiratory problems, scarring, or functional impairment in both lungs that are a direct consequence of an earlier, resolved injury. It should be used for follow-up encounters where the acute phase of the original bilateral lung injury has passed, and the patient is being treated for its lasting impact.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., chronic respiratory failure).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current bilateral lung condition to a past injury and specifies that the injury was not a contusion or laceration.
• Verify that the encounter is for the sequela itself, not for the initial treatment of the acute injury.