Contusion of unspecified intra-abdominal organ, sequela

This code signifies a bruise or injury to an internal abdominal organ where the specific organ affected is not documented, and the injury is a long-term effect or complication of an initial trauma. It indicates that the original injury has resolved, but its lasting impact, such as chronic pain, adhesions, or functional impairment, is now being addressed.

Use this code when a patient presents with a sequela (late effect) directly attributable to a past contusion of an intra-abdominal organ, and the medical record does not specify which particular organ was contused. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing chronic issues stemming from such an injury.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by any codes for the specific manifestation of the sequela.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the condition is a "sequela" or "late effect" of a past contusion.
• Avoid using this code if the specific intra-abdominal organ involved in the contusion is identified; instead, use a more specific code from the S36 category with the appropriate 7th character for sequela.