Unspecified sprain of other finger, sequela

This code signifies a past injury to an unspecified finger (excluding the thumb) that resulted in a sprain, and the patient is now experiencing a residual effect or complication from that previous sprain. It indicates that the acute phase of the sprain has passed, and the current encounter addresses a long-term consequence.

Use this code when a patient presents with ongoing pain, stiffness, instability, or other chronic issues directly attributable to a previously sustained sprain of an unspecified finger (not the thumb). This would apply to follow-up visits for persistent symptoms after the initial healing period, or for evaluation of a new problem stemming from the old injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the finger involved is not the thumb and that the current condition is a sequela of a past sprain.
• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following a code for the specific current condition (e.g., chronic pain, instability).
• Verify that the encounter is for a long-term effect, not an acute or subacute sprain, which would require a different code.