Frostbite with tissue necrosis of left arm, sequela

This code signifies a past injury to the left arm caused by freezing temperatures, resulting in the death of tissue (necrosis). The "sequela" designation indicates that this code is used to report the long-term effects or complications of that original frostbite injury, not the acute event itself.

Use this code when documenting ongoing issues directly attributable to a previous frostbite injury of the left arm that involved tissue death. This would include conditions like chronic pain, scarring, loss of function, or other persistent problems stemming from the necrotic frostbite. It is not for the initial treatment of acute frostbite.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior frostbite with necrosis.
• This "S" (sequela) seventh character is used for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of the initial injury, after the acute phase has passed.
• Do not use this code for current, active frostbite; instead, use codes from the T33-T34 range without the "S" seventh character for acute encounters.