Unspecified superficial injury of left thumb, sequela

This code signifies a long-term effect or complication arising from an unspecified superficial injury to the left thumb. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but a residual condition, symptom, or problem persists as a direct result of that past trauma. The exact nature of the superficial injury (e.g., abrasion, contusion, blister) is not specified.

This code is appropriate when documenting a sequela of a past, unspecified superficial injury to the left thumb. Examples include chronic pain, scarring, or limited range of motion in the left thumb that is directly attributable to a previous, superficial injury that has since resolved. It should be used when the acute phase of the original injury has passed.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, scar).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past, unspecified superficial injury of the left thumb.
• Verify that the "S" seventh character is appropriate for sequela coding, indicating a late effect.