Fracture of base of skull, left side, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a fracture of the base of the skull, specifically located on the left side. It indicates that the initial acute injury has healed, but the patient continues to experience persistent issues directly attributable to that past fracture.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a current condition, symptom, or disability that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained fracture to the left side of the skull base. Documentation should clearly link the current problem to the historical skull base fracture, often through a history of present illness or past medical history.

• Requires a seventh character 'S' for sequela, indicating a late effect.
• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific residual condition(s) being treated.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the laterality (left side) and the causal link between the past fracture and the current sequela.