Laceration of bronchus, unilateral, initial encounter

This code signifies a tear or cut in one of the main airways (bronchi) within the lungs. This injury is unilateral, meaning it affects only one side, and the "A" suffix indicates that this is the initial treatment for the laceration.

Apply this code when documenting a newly diagnosed laceration of a single bronchus, often resulting from trauma such as a penetrating chest injury or blunt force trauma. It is also appropriate for iatrogenic injuries occurring during medical procedures like bronchoscopy.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the injury is a laceration and affects only one bronchus.
• Confirm this is the first time the patient is being treated for this specific injury to use the "A" initial encounter suffix.
• Always code any associated external cause of injury (e.g., fall, motor vehicle accident) with an appropriate external cause code.