Contus/lac/hem brnst w LOC >24 hr w/o ret consc w surv, sqla

This code signifies a severe traumatic brain injury involving contusion, laceration, and hemorrhage specifically within the brainstem. The patient experienced a prolonged coma exceeding 24 hours and did not regain their baseline neurological status, but ultimately survived the acute injury. This indicates significant, lasting neurological impairment.

Apply this code for patients who have sustained a brainstem injury with documented contusion, laceration, and hemorrhage, and whose medical record clearly indicates a loss of consciousness lasting more than 24 hours with persistent neurological deficits upon survival. Documentation must explicitly state the brainstem as the affected area and the duration of unconsciousness.

• Ensure documentation specifies "brainstem" and not just a general brain injury.
• Verify the duration of loss of consciousness (LOC) is explicitly stated as greater than 24 hours and that the patient did not return to their pre-existing conscious level.
• This code is for the sequela of the injury, indicating the patient survived with residual effects; do not use for the initial acute encounter if the patient is still in the acute phase of injury.