Laceration of blood vessels at forearm level, unsp arm, init

This code signifies a tear or cut in a blood vessel, other than a major artery or vein, located within the forearm. The injury affects an unspecified arm and is documented as the initial treatment for this specific laceration.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a fresh laceration to a smaller blood vessel in the forearm, such as a venule or arteriole, and the medical record does not specify which arm is affected. This is appropriate for the initial encounter for treatment of the injury, such as wound exploration, repair, or suturing.

• Ensure documentation specifies "unspecified arm" if laterality is not clearly stated.
• Confirm this is the patient's first visit for this particular injury to use the "A" (initial encounter) seventh character.
• Distinguish from lacerations of major arteries (e.g., radial, ulnar) or veins, which have more specific codes.