Contusion of bronchus, unilateral, sequela

This code signifies a bruise or injury to a single bronchus, which is a major airway in the lungs. It indicates that the injury is no longer acute but represents a long-term effect or complication of a previous contusion. This could manifest as persistent inflammation, scarring, or altered bronchial function.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms or complications directly attributable to a past, resolved contusion of a single bronchus. This would be appropriate for follow-up visits addressing chronic issues stemming from the initial injury, such as persistent cough, dyspnea, or recurrent infections.

• Ensure documentation clearly links current symptoms or conditions to a previous bronchial contusion.
• Verify the laterality (unilateral) is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the medical record.
• Confirm the "S" seventh character is appropriate, indicating a sequela, not an initial encounter or subsequent encounter for active treatment.