Laceration of popliteal vein, right leg, initial encounter

This code signifies a tear or cut in the popliteal vein located in the right leg. This injury typically involves damage to the vessel wall, leading to bleeding and potential compromise of venous return from the lower leg. It is an acute injury requiring immediate medical attention.

Apply this code for patients presenting with an initial diagnosis of a lacerated right popliteal vein, often due to penetrating trauma such as a stab wound, gunshot wound, or severe blunt force injury. This code is appropriate for the first time a patient receives care for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "right leg" and "popliteal vein" to support this code.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the initial treatment for this injury, as indicated by the "A" seventh character.
• Look for associated codes for the mechanism of injury (e.g., external cause codes) and any other co-occurring injuries.