Contusion of unspecified upper arm, sequela

This code signifies a bruise to the upper arm that is a long-term consequence of an initial injury. It indicates that the acute phase of the contusion has passed, and the patient is now experiencing residual effects, such as chronic pain, stiffness, or discoloration, directly attributable to the original trauma. The specific side of the upper arm is not documented.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a contusion of the upper arm as a sequela, meaning a condition arising as a result of a previous disease or injury. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the patient is being treated for persistent issues stemming from an old upper arm bruise, and the laterality is not specified.

• Always assign a seventh character 'S' for sequela when the condition is a residual effect of a past injury.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly links the current symptoms to a previous upper arm contusion.
• Avoid using this code for acute contusions; those require a different seventh character.