Puncture wound with foreign body of thyroid gland, sequela

This code describes a delayed complication or late effect stemming from a penetrating injury to the thyroid gland where a foreign object was embedded. It indicates that the patient is presenting for treatment of issues directly related to the retained foreign body from a past puncture wound.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a patient is being treated for a sequela (e.g., chronic inflammation, infection, fistula formation, scar tissue, or persistent pain) resulting from a foreign body that entered the thyroid via a puncture wound. The "S" seventh character indicates that this is a sequela, meaning the initial injury has healed but its long-term effects are being addressed.

• Always ensure the documentation explicitly links the current condition to a past puncture wound with a retained foreign body in the thyroid.
• Do not use for initial encounters or active treatment of the acute injury; those require the appropriate "A" or "D" seventh character.
• Code any specific sequelae (e.g., chronic thyroiditis, abscess) in addition to this code, with this code typically sequenced first as the underlying cause.