Complete traumatic amputation at unsp shoulder joint, init

This code signifies the complete severance of the arm at the shoulder joint due to a traumatic event, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. This is an initial presentation for treatment of the injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a traumatic avulsion or complete detachment of the entire upper limb at the shoulder, and the medical record does not specify whether it was the left or right shoulder. This code is appropriate for the initial encounter for this injury.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "complete amputation" at the shoulder joint.
• Only use this code when the laterality (left/right) is truly unspecified in the medical record.
• Remember the "A" suffix indicates an initial encounter for active treatment.