Chronic post-thoracotomy pain

This code signifies persistent pain in the chest wall that develops or increases in intensity after a surgical incision into the thoracic cavity (thoracotomy). The pain is chronic, meaning it has lasted for at least three months following the procedure. It often results from nerve damage, scar tissue, or musculoskeletal changes related to the surgery.

Use this code for patients experiencing ongoing, debilitating pain in the area of a previous thoracotomy incision that has persisted for an extended period. Documentation should clearly state "chronic post-thoracotomy pain" or describe persistent pain directly attributable to the thoracotomy, lasting beyond the typical healing period.

• Ensure documentation specifies the chronic nature of the pain and its direct association with a prior thoracotomy.
• Do not use for acute post-thoracotomy pain; refer to codes for acute post-procedural pain.
• Consider sequencing this code as a secondary diagnosis if the primary reason for the encounter is treatment of the pain itself.