Contusion of unspecified shoulder, sequela

This code indicates a bruise to an unspecified shoulder, where the injury itself is no longer acute but has resulted in a long-term complication or residual effect. It signifies that the original contusion has healed, but the patient is still experiencing issues directly attributable to that past injury.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic condition or sequela (e.g., persistent pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, scar tissue) that is a direct result of a previously sustained, unspecified shoulder contusion. This code is appropriate when the initial injury has resolved, and the current encounter addresses the lasting impact.

• Always sequence this code after the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., M25.519 for unspecified shoulder pain).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past shoulder contusion.
• Do not use for acute or subacute contusions; those require codes from the initial encounter or subsequent encounter categories.