Toxic effect of lacrimogenic gas, assault, sequela

This code signifies the long-term or residual effects resulting from exposure to lacrimogenic gas (e.g., tear gas) when the exposure was due to an assault. It indicates that the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the patient is now presenting with chronic or permanent complications directly attributable to the past toxic exposure.

Use this code for patients presenting with persistent respiratory issues, chronic eye irritation, skin conditions, or neurological sequelae years after an assault involving tear gas. This code is appropriate when documenting follow-up care for conditions like chronic bronchitis, persistent conjunctivitis, or dermatological scarring that are directly linked to the past toxic exposure.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code(s) for the specific residual condition(s) being treated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current chronic condition to a past assault involving lacrimogenic gas.
• Do not use this code for acute toxic effects; use the appropriate acute toxic effect code with the initial encounter or subsequent encounter seventh character.