Other specified injuries of vocal cord, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late effect resulting from a previously sustained injury to the vocal cord, excluding fractures or dislocations. These sequelae can manifest as chronic voice changes, dysphonia, or other persistent laryngeal dysfunction directly attributable to the initial trauma. The "S" at the end indicates that this is a sequela code, meaning the acute injury has resolved, and the patient is now experiencing residual effects.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a current vocal cord issue that is a direct consequence of an injury that occurred in the past and has since healed. This includes conditions like chronic hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or breathiness stemming from a prior blunt trauma, penetrating injury, or other specified damage to the vocal cords. Ensure the medical record explicitly links the current symptom to the historical injury.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation of the sequela (e.g., dysphonia).
• Do not use this code for acute vocal cord injuries; those require an acute injury code.
• Verify that the documentation specifies "sequela" or "late effect" and clearly identifies the original injury type if known.