Contusion of unspecified hand, sequela

This code indicates a bruise on an unspecified hand that is a late effect or complication of an initial injury. It signifies that the original contusion has resolved, but residual problems, such as chronic pain, stiffness, or nerve damage, persist.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with long-term complications directly attributable to a past contusion of the hand. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the acute injury has healed, but sequelae require ongoing management.

• Always assign a sequela code (S) as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, scar).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous hand contusion.
• Do not use this code for acute or initial contusions; those require acute injury codes.