Laceration of axillary artery, left side, initial encounter

This code signifies a traumatic tear or cut in the left axillary artery, the major blood vessel supplying the arm. Such an injury can lead to significant hemorrhage and compromise blood flow to the upper extremity. It typically results from penetrating trauma or severe blunt force.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial treatment of a patient presenting with a laceration of the left axillary artery. This includes emergency department visits, initial surgical repair, or the first encounter for diagnostic workup following the injury. Subsequent encounters for follow-up care would utilize different encounter indicators.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the left side and that it is the initial encounter for this injury.
• Always code any associated external cause of injury (e.g., W25.XXXA for contact with sharp glass) to provide a complete picture.
• Look for documentation of surgical repair (e.g., arterial repair, ligation) which would further support the use of this code.