Contusion of abdominal wall, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies a bruise or superficial injury to the abdominal wall, resulting from direct trauma without an open wound. It indicates damage to the soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, and skin, causing pain, swelling, and discoloration. This code is specifically for the initial presentation and treatment of the injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a closed injury to the abdomen, such as from a fall, blunt force impact (e.g., being hit by an object), or a sports injury, and the primary complaint is localized pain and tenderness without signs of internal organ damage. This is appropriate for the first encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "contusion" or "bruise" of the abdominal wall.
• Verify that this is the patient's initial visit for this specific injury. Subsequent encounters would require a different seventh character.
• Do not use this code if there is an open wound, suspected internal organ injury, or fracture.