Adult physical abuse, confirmed, sequela

This code signifies a confirmed instance of physical abuse inflicted upon an adult, where the patient is currently experiencing a long-term consequence or complication directly resulting from that past abuse. These sequelae can manifest as chronic pain, permanent physical disfigurement, neurological damage, or other lasting physical impairments. The abuse itself is no longer an active event, but its effects persist.

Apply this code when documenting and billing for the treatment of chronic conditions or permanent injuries in an adult patient that are definitively linked to a prior episode of physical abuse. This is appropriate when the acute phase of the abuse has passed, and the focus of care is on managing the residual physical health problems. It should be used for follow-up visits addressing these long-term complications.

• Always assign an additional code(s) for the specific physical sequela being treated (e.g., chronic pain, fracture malunion).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the confirmed nature of the past abuse and its direct causal link to the current condition.
• This "S" seventh character indicates a sequela, meaning the residual effect of a past injury or condition.