Immersion hand, left hand, sequela

This code signifies the long-term or late-onset effects resulting from a non-freezing cold injury to the left hand, often referred to as "immersion hand" or "trench hand." These sequelae can include chronic pain, numbness, hypersensitivity, skin changes, or impaired function that persist after the initial injury has healed.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic neuropathy, persistent circulatory issues, or lasting tissue damage in the left hand, directly attributable to a past episode of immersion hand. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the residual effects of the original injury are being treated or evaluated.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous immersion injury of the left hand.
• This "S" seventh character indicates a sequela; use it for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of the initial injury, even if the original injury has resolved.
• Do not use this code for the acute phase of immersion hand; instead, use the appropriate acute injury code.