Superficial foreign body of unspecified ear, sequela

This code describes the long-term effects or complications arising from a superficial foreign body in an unspecified ear. It indicates that the acute phase of the foreign body presence has passed, and the patient is now experiencing a residual condition directly attributable to that past event. This could include chronic irritation, scarring, or hearing changes.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a previously treated or resolved superficial foreign body in an ear, and the specific ear (left or right) is not documented. This code requires clear documentation linking the current sequela to the past foreign body event.

• Requires a seventh character "S" to indicate sequela.
• Do not use for acute foreign body encounters; those require codes from the initial encounter or subsequent encounter categories.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the condition is a "sequela" or "late effect" of a foreign body.