Pnctr w/o fb of l idx fngr w damage to nail, sequela

This code describes a past injury to the left index finger, specifically a puncture wound that did not involve a foreign body, and resulted in lasting damage to the nail. It indicates that the acute injury has healed, but there are residual effects or complications related to the nail structure.

This code is appropriate for documenting follow-up care for a patient who previously sustained a puncture wound to the left index finger, and is now presenting with ongoing nail issues such as deformity, chronic pain, or growth abnormalities directly attributable to that past injury. It should be used when the initial wound has closed and the focus of care is on the long-term sequelae affecting the nail.

• Always assign a seventh character of 'S' for sequela when documenting residual effects of a past injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current nail damage to the previous puncture wound.
• Do not use this code for acute puncture wounds; use an acute injury code with the appropriate seventh character for initial or subsequent encounter.