Child physical abuse, confirmed, sequela

This code signifies the long-term or residual effects resulting from a confirmed instance of child physical abuse. It is used when the acute phase of the abuse has passed, but the patient continues to experience physical or psychological consequences directly attributable to the past trauma.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic pain, deformities, neurological deficits, or psychological disorders (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety) that are directly linked to a previously confirmed episode of child physical abuse. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits and ongoing management of these sequelae.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., M54.5 for low back pain due to abuse).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past, confirmed event of child physical abuse.
• The "S" in the seventh character indicates sequela, meaning it's for conditions that are the late effects of the initial injury.