Puncture wound with foreign body of right forearm, sequela

This code signifies a puncture wound on the right forearm that has healed, but a foreign body remains embedded within the tissue, causing ongoing symptoms or complications. It indicates a long-term consequence of the initial injury, rather than an acute event.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with persistent issues (e.g., pain, infection, restricted movement) in the right forearm due to a retained foreign body from a previously sustained puncture wound. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the initial injury has passed its acute phase.

• Always ensure documentation clearly states the presence of a retained foreign body and its causal link to the puncture wound.
• The "S" seventh character indicates sequela, meaning this code is for complications or conditions arising from a previous injury.
• Do not use this code for acute puncture wounds with foreign bodies; those would be coded with an "A" or "D" seventh character.