Pnctr w/o fb of l frnt wl of thorax w/o penet thor cav, init

This code describes a sharp injury to the left anterior chest wall that does not involve a retained foreign object. The wound is superficial, meaning it has not breached the pleura or entered the thoracic cavity. This is designated as the initial treatment for the injury.

Apply this code for patients presenting with a stab wound, needle stick, or other penetrating injury to the left front of the chest, where examination confirms no foreign body is present and no pneumothorax or hemothorax has occurred. This is appropriate for the first encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without foreign body" and "without penetration into thoracic cavity."
• Verify the laterality (left) and anatomical location (front wall of thorax) are clearly documented.
• The "A" suffix indicates an initial encounter; use subsequent encounter codes for follow-up care.