Sprain of carpal joint of right wrist, sequela

This code signifies a chronic or late effect of a sprain affecting the carpal joints within the right wrist. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing symptoms or complications directly attributable to a previously sustained sprain of these joints, rather than an acute injury.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a history of a right carpal joint sprain and the current encounter addresses a residual condition, such as chronic pain, instability, or limited range of motion, stemming from that prior injury. This is appropriate for follow-up care long after the initial healing phase of the sprain.

• Ensure the medical record explicitly states a "sequela," "late effect," or similar terminology linking current symptoms to a past right carpal joint sprain.
• Do not use for acute or subacute sprains; those require codes from the initial or subsequent encounter categories.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, instability).