Frostbite with tissue necrosis of left wrist, sequela

This code indicates a long-term complication or late effect resulting from frostbite that caused tissue death in the patient's left wrist. It signifies that the necrosis, or dead tissue, is no longer an acute condition but rather an ongoing consequence of the original frostbite injury. This could involve persistent functional impairment, chronic pain, or the need for reconstructive procedures related to the past tissue damage.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting for treatment of a condition that is a direct sequela of frostbite with tissue necrosis of the left wrist, and the original frostbite injury is no longer active. This applies to follow-up visits for chronic issues stemming from the necrosis, such as scar tissue complications, nerve damage, or ongoing rehabilitation. It should be used when the acute phase of the frostbite has passed.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) to describe the circumstances of the original frostbite injury, if known and applicable.
• Do not use this code for acute frostbite or when the tissue necrosis is still actively developing or being treated as an acute condition.
• Consider additional codes for specific complications or treatments related to the sequela, such as chronic pain or reconstructive surgery.