Contusion of left elbow, sequela

This code signifies a bruise or ecchymosis of the left elbow that is a residual effect or complication of an earlier injury. It indicates that the initial contusion has resolved, but there are ongoing symptoms or conditions directly attributable to that past trauma.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with persistent pain, stiffness, discoloration, or other long-term effects in the left elbow, where the original cause was a contusion. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these lingering issues, rather than the initial acute injury.

• Always assign an additional code to describe the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, scar formation).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous left elbow contusion.
• Do not use for acute contusions; those require an acute injury code.