Other effects of air pressure and water pressure, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or residual health problem resulting from exposure to abnormal air or water pressure. These are conditions that persist after the initial acute effects of pressure changes have resolved, such as chronic pain, neurological deficits, or organ damage.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's current condition that is a direct consequence of a past event involving dysbarism, decompression sickness, or other pressure-related injuries. This would include follow-up encounters for conditions like persistent inner ear damage after barotrauma or chronic joint pain from previous decompression illness.

• Always sequence this code after the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., chronic otitis media due to barotrauma).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past pressure-related event.
• Do not use for acute effects of pressure; this code is specifically for sequelae.