Superficial foreign body of nose, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a foreign object previously lodged superficially in the nasal cavity. It indicates that the initial foreign body has been removed, but the patient is still experiencing issues directly attributable to its prior presence.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a current condition or symptom (e.g., chronic irritation, scar tissue, persistent inflammation) that is a direct result of a superficial foreign body in the nose, and the foreign body itself is no longer present. This code is appropriate when the encounter is for managing these lasting effects.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code for the specific manifestation of the sequela (e.g., chronic rhinitis, nasal scar).
• Ensure documentation explicitly links the current condition to the prior superficial foreign body in the nose.
• Do not use this code if the foreign body is still present; instead, use an acute foreign body code.