Contusion of bronchus, bilateral, sequela

This code signifies a bruise to both main airways leading to the lungs, indicating damage to the bronchial walls without a complete tear. It represents a past injury where the patient is now experiencing residual effects or complications from the original bilateral bronchial contusion.

This code is appropriate when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms or conditions directly attributable to a previously sustained bilateral contusion of the bronchi. This could include chronic cough, recurrent respiratory infections, or persistent shortness of breath, where the original injury is no longer acute but its long-term impact is being addressed.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current sequela to the prior bilateral bronchial contusion.
• Do not use for acute contusions; this "S" seventh character indicates a sequela.
• Code any current, acute conditions or symptoms first, then append this code to indicate the underlying cause.