Primary blast injury of sigmoid colon, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies damage to the sigmoid colon resulting from the direct impact of a blast wave, such as from an explosion. It specifically refers to the initial presentation and treatment of this type of injury, which can range from contusions to perforations.

Apply this code for patients presenting with sigmoid colon injuries directly attributable to a primary blast mechanism, such as military personnel exposed to improvised explosive devices or civilians involved in industrial explosions. This code is appropriate for the initial hospital admission or encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "primary blast injury" and specifies the sigmoid colon.
• Do not use for injuries caused by secondary blast effects (e.g., flying debris) or tertiary effects (e.g., impact with a surface).
• Remember the "A" at the end indicates an initial encounter; subsequent care would require different seventh characters.