Laceration of ulnar artery at forearm level, unsp arm, init

This code signifies a traumatic injury involving a tear or cut to the ulnar artery within the forearm, where the specific arm (left or right) is not documented. As an initial encounter code, it indicates the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute injury.

Apply this code for patients presenting with an acute laceration of the ulnar artery in the forearm, such as from a penetrating injury (e.g., knife wound, glass shard), when the laterality of the arm is not specified in the medical record. This code is appropriate for the initial phase of care, including emergency department visits, surgical repair, and initial hospitalization.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "laceration" of the ulnar artery; other types of injury (e.g., contusion, puncture) would use different codes.
• Prioritize codes with laterality (left or right) if specified in the medical record; only use this unspecified code when laterality is truly unknown.
• Remember the "A" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for active treatment; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.