Abrasion of right front wall of thorax, initial encounter

This code signifies a superficial injury to the skin of the right anterior chest wall, characterized by a scrape or graze that does not penetrate the full thickness of the skin. It indicates damage limited to the epidermis and possibly the superficial dermis, resulting from friction or shearing forces.

Use this code for patients presenting with a new abrasion on the right side of their chest, such as from a fall, a minor impact, or friction against a rough surface. This code is appropriate for the initial treatment or evaluation of such an injury.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "right" and "front wall of thorax" to accurately assign this code.
• Verify that the injury is indeed an abrasion and not a laceration, puncture, or contusion, which would require different codes.
• Confirm this is the patient's first encounter for this specific injury; subsequent encounters would use a different seventh character.