Superficial frostbite of right hand, sequela

This code indicates a long-term or residual effect stemming from a superficial frostbite injury to the patient's right hand. It signifies that the acute frostbite event has passed, but the patient continues to experience symptoms or complications directly attributable to that past injury. These sequelae might include persistent numbness, altered sensation, or skin changes.

Use this code when documenting a patient encounter where the primary reason for the visit is a current condition or symptom that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained superficial frostbite of the right hand. This applies to follow-up care for chronic issues related to the frostbite, rather than the initial acute treatment.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past superficial frostbite of the right hand.
• This "S" seventh character indicates sequela and should be used for complications or conditions arising after the acute phase of the injury has healed.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of acute frostbite; instead, use an acute frostbite code from the T33 category.