Pnctr w/o fb of pharynx and cervical esophagus, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a puncture wound to the pharynx or cervical esophagus, where no foreign body was present at the time of the original injury. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to a past penetrating injury to these structures.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current sequela (e.g., stricture, fistula, chronic pain, dysphagia) that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained puncture wound to the pharynx or cervical esophagus. The medical record must clearly link the current condition to the prior injury and specify the absence of a foreign body.

• Always sequence the code for the specific sequela (e.g., K22.2 for esophageal obstruction) first, followed by this sequela code.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela" or "late effect" and confirms the absence of a foreign body at the time of the original injury.
• Distinguish from acute injuries (S11.23XA, S11.23XD) which are used for initial or subsequent encounters for the active wound.