Late effect of certain other external causes

This code signifies a health condition or symptom that is a residual effect of an external cause, such as an accident, poisoning, or adverse drug reaction, that occurred in the past. It is used when the acute phase of the original external cause has resolved, but a lasting consequence remains. The "late effect" refers to the sequela, not the timing of the initial event.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links a current condition to a past external cause not specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., late effect of foreign body entering through natural orifice, late effect of adverse effect of drug). The patient's medical record must explicitly state the causal relationship between the past external event and the current manifestation.

• Always sequence the code for the specific late effect (e.g., scar, paralysis) first, followed by this code.
• Do not use for acute conditions or ongoing treatment of the initial external cause.
• Ensure the external cause is not better classified by a more specific late effect code (e.g., 905.x for fracture sequelae).