Gastric contents in larynx causing other injury, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or residual health problem resulting from gastric contents entering the larynx and causing damage. This could include chronic inflammation, scarring, or vocal cord dysfunction that persists after the initial aspiration event. It indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but its effects remain.

Use this code when documenting a patient's current condition that is a direct consequence of a past aspiration of gastric contents into the larynx. This is appropriate for follow-up visits where the sequelae of such an event are being managed, rather than the acute aspiration itself. It would be used for conditions like chronic laryngitis or vocal cord paralysis attributed to a prior aspiration.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic laryngitis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past aspiration of gastric contents into the larynx.
• The "S" in the seventh character indicates a sequela; do not use for acute or initial encounters.