Lacerat blood vessels at lower leg level, unsp leg, init

This code signifies a tear or cut in a blood vessel, other than a major artery or vein, located in the lower leg. The specific blood vessel involved is not documented, and the affected leg is also unspecified.

Apply this code for initial encounters involving trauma to the lower leg resulting in a laceration of a smaller, unspecified blood vessel. This is appropriate when the medical record does not specify whether the injury is to the right or left leg, nor does it identify a specific major artery or vein as lacerated.

• Only use this code for the initial encounter for treatment of the injury.
• Avoid this code if the medical record specifies a laceration of a major artery (e.g., popliteal artery) or vein (e.g., saphenous vein).
• Do not use if the laterality (right or left leg) is documented; instead, select a more specific code.