Poisoning by heroin, undetermined, sequela

This code signifies a past adverse effect or complication resulting from heroin poisoning, where the intent of the poisoning (e.g., accidental, intentional self-harm) could not be determined. It indicates that the patient is experiencing a residual condition directly attributable to a previous heroin overdose or exposure.

Use this code when documenting a chronic condition, organ damage, or other long-term sequelae that are a direct result of a heroin poisoning event that occurred in the past, and the intent was not specified or could not be ascertained. This applies to follow-up encounters for conditions like anoxic brain injury, chronic liver damage, or persistent neurological deficits stemming from the poisoning.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., anoxic brain damage, chronic hepatitis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past heroin poisoning and specifies the "undetermined" intent.
• Do not use this code for acute heroin intoxication; use the appropriate acute poisoning code for the initial event.