Child sexual abuse, suspected, sequela

This code indicates a suspected case of child sexual abuse where the patient is presenting with a sequela, or a long-term complication or consequence, of the abuse. It is used when the abuse itself is not recent or acute, but its lasting effects are being addressed. The "suspected" aspect means that while there is strong clinical evidence or patient disclosure, a definitive legal or medical confirmation of abuse may still be pending.

Apply this code when a patient, who is a child, presents with psychological, behavioral, or physical sequelae (e.g., PTSD, depression, chronic pain, reproductive issues) that are clinically linked to suspected past sexual abuse. This is appropriate when the encounter focuses on managing these long-term effects, rather than the initial discovery or acute treatment of the abuse itself.

• Always sequence this code after the specific sequela being treated (e.g., F43.10 for PTSD).
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the "suspected" nature and the link between the sequela and the alleged abuse.
• The "S" in the 7th character indicates sequela, meaning this code is for conditions arising as a consequence of the abuse, not the acute event.