Other superficial bite of left thumb, sequela

This code signifies a healed or residual effect from a superficial bite injury to the left thumb. It indicates that the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the patient is now experiencing a long-term complication or consequence of that original bite.

This code is appropriate for documenting conditions such as scarring, chronic pain, nerve damage, or restricted movement in the left thumb that are directly attributable to a past superficial bite. It should be used when the patient is seen for follow-up care related to these persistent issues, not for the initial acute injury.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous superficial bite of the left thumb.
• This "S" seventh character indicates a sequela; do not use for initial encounters or subsequent encounters for active treatment of the acute injury.
• Code any specific sequelae (e.g., scar, chronic pain) in addition to this code, if applicable and supported by documentation.