Caisson disease [decompression sickness], sequela

This code signifies the long-term or residual effects of decompression sickness, also known as caisson disease. These sequelae can manifest as chronic neurological, musculoskeletal, or pulmonary impairments that persist after the acute phase of the illness has resolved. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing health issues directly attributable to a past episode of decompression sickness.

Use this code when documenting conditions like chronic joint pain, persistent neurological deficits (e.g., paresthesia, weakness, cognitive impairment), or pulmonary fibrosis that are a direct consequence of a previous decompression injury. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits or when the patient presents with these lasting symptoms, rather than the acute event itself.

• Always sequence this code after the code for the specific sequela being treated or evaluated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past episode of decompression sickness.
• Do not use this code for acute or active decompression sickness; use codes from T70.3XXA or T70.3XXD for initial or subsequent encounters of the acute condition.