Injury of median nerve at forearm level, left arm, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late-effect complication resulting from a past injury to the median nerve specifically within the left forearm. These sequelae can manifest as persistent pain, sensory deficits (numbness, tingling), or motor weakness in the distribution of the median nerve, affecting the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, as well as forearm muscles.

Apply this code when documenting a current condition directly attributable to an old injury of the median nerve in the left forearm, after the acute phase of the initial injury has passed. This includes chronic neuropathic pain, permanent paresthesia, or residual muscle weakness stemming from the original trauma.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., G56.12 for carpal tunnel syndrome due to old injury).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current median nerve issue in the left forearm to a previous injury.
• The "S" seventh character indicates sequela, meaning the initial injury has healed, but its lasting effects are being treated.