Laceration of blood vessels at shldr/up arm, unsp arm, init

This code signifies a tear or cut in a blood vessel, other than the major arteries or veins, located in the shoulder or upper arm region. The specific arm affected is not documented, and this encounter represents the initial treatment for the injury.

Apply this code for patients presenting with an acute injury to the shoulder or upper arm resulting in a laceration of a smaller, specified blood vessel (e.g., a muscular artery or vein) that is not further specified as to left or right. This is appropriate for the initial visit where the injury is diagnosed and treatment begins.

• Ensure documentation specifies "other specified blood vessel" and not a major artery (e.g., brachial) or vein (e.g., axillary).
• Only use the "A" seventh character for the initial encounter for active treatment of the injury.
• If the arm (left or right) is known, a more specific code should be selected.