Laceration of bronchus, unilateral, sequela

This code signifies a past injury to a single bronchus, specifically a laceration, which is now presenting with a residual effect or complication. It indicates that the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to that prior trauma.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's current condition that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained, unilateral bronchial laceration. This would include scenarios where a patient presents with chronic respiratory symptoms, structural changes, or functional impairment resulting from the old injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the sequela of the past laceration, not an acute injury.
• Verify the laceration was unilateral; bilateral involvement would require a different code.
• Always sequence this code after the code for the specific sequela or complication being treated.