Abrasion of unspecified elbow, sequela

This code signifies a past abrasion injury to an unspecified elbow, where the patient is now experiencing a residual effect or complication directly attributable to that original injury. This could include scarring, chronic pain, or limited range of motion resulting from the initial skin scrape.

This code is appropriate when documenting a patient presenting with a long-term consequence of an elbow abrasion, and the specific side (right or left) of the elbow was not documented or is unknown. It should be used for follow-up encounters addressing these persistent issues, not for the initial acute injury.

• Always strive for laterality (right or left elbow) if documented in the medical record.
• This "S" seventh character indicates a sequela, meaning the patient is being treated for a complication or residual effect of the original injury.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute elbow abrasion; use the appropriate acute injury code.