Laceration with foreign body of scalp, sequela

This code signifies a healed or residual effect of a laceration to the scalp that previously involved a foreign body. It indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but there are lasting consequences or complications directly attributable to that past event. This could include scarring, chronic pain, nerve damage, or persistent foreign body sensation.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a sequela (late effect) resulting from a prior scalp laceration with a foreign body. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the patient is being treated for a long-term complication of the original injury, not the acute injury itself. Documentation should specify the nature of the sequela and its direct link to the past laceration.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by a code describing the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., scar, chronic pain).
• Ensure the "S" seventh character for sequela is appropriately applied, indicating a late effect.
• Do not use this code for acute injuries; instead, use the appropriate acute laceration code with the "A" or "D" seventh character.