Puncture wound without foreign body of left wrist, sequela

This code signifies a past injury to the left wrist caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, where no foreign material was retained within the wound. The "sequela" designation indicates that this code is used to report a late effect or complication arising from that original puncture wound, rather than the acute injury itself. This could include chronic pain, scarring, nerve damage, or limited range of motion resulting from the initial trauma.

Apply this code when documenting a patient encounter for a long-term consequence or residual condition directly attributable to a puncture wound of the left wrist that occurred in the past. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing ongoing issues related to the healed or partially healed wound, such as scar revision, chronic infection, or persistent functional impairment. Do not use for the initial acute injury.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code describing the specific late effect being treated (e.g., chronic pain, scar).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past puncture wound of the left wrist.
• Verify that no foreign body was present in the original wound, as this would necessitate a different code.