Contusion of left wrist, initial encounter

This code signifies a bruise or superficial injury to the soft tissues of the left wrist, resulting from direct trauma without an open wound. It indicates damage to capillaries and other small blood vessels beneath the skin, leading to discoloration and swelling.

Apply this code for patients presenting with a closed injury to the left wrist, such as from a fall, direct impact, or sports-related incident, where the primary diagnosis is a contusion. This is appropriate for the initial evaluation and treatment of the injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies the left wrist and confirms the injury is a contusion, not a sprain or fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is the initial treatment for this specific injury.
• Do not use if there is an open wound, as this would indicate a different type of injury.