Other superficial bite of unspecified thumb, sequela

This code indicates a healed or residual effect from a superficial bite wound on an unspecified thumb. The original injury has resolved, but the patient is still experiencing a lasting complication or condition directly attributable to that bite.

Apply this code when documenting a current condition or symptom that is a late effect of a superficial bite to the thumb, and the specific thumb (right or left) is not documented. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the acute phase of the injury has passed, but sequelae such as scarring, chronic pain, or nerve damage are being addressed.

• Always assign an external cause code (e.g., W54.0- for dog bite) to fully describe the circumstances of the original injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past superficial bite of the thumb.
• Do not use for acute or initial encounters of a bite wound; those require codes without the "S" seventh character.