Injury of olfactory [1st ] nerve, left side, sequela

This code describes a long-term or late effect resulting from damage to the left olfactory nerve, which is responsible for the sense of smell. This injury can lead to persistent anosmia (loss of smell) or dysosmia (distorted smell) on the left side, occurring after the acute phase of the initial injury has passed.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a persistent, left-sided olfactory deficit that is a residual effect of a previous injury. Documentation should clearly indicate the laterality (left side), the specific nerve involved (olfactory/1st cranial nerve), and that the condition is a sequela, meaning it's a chronic or late effect of an earlier injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left side" and that the condition is a "sequela" or "late effect" of a prior injury.
• Do not use this code for acute injuries; instead, use the appropriate acute injury code for the olfactory nerve.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for the underlying cause of the initial injury if still relevant for patient management.