Contusion of left upper arm, sequela

This code signifies a bruise or contusion affecting the left upper arm, where the injury's effects are long-lasting or permanent. It indicates that the initial trauma has resolved, but residual symptoms or complications persist, such as chronic pain, stiffness, or nerve damage directly attributable to the original contusion.

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient experiencing persistent issues stemming from a prior left upper arm contusion. This is appropriate when the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the current encounter addresses the ongoing sequelae rather than the initial injury itself.

• Always link this sequela code to an external cause code (V00-Y99) if the original injury's cause is known and relevant to the current encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the "sequela" aspect, indicating that the current condition is a residual effect of a past contusion.
• Do not use this code for acute contusions; instead, use the appropriate acute contusion code from the S40.02- category.