Traumatic secondary and recurrent hemor and seroma, subs

This code signifies a re-bleeding or re-accumulation of serous fluid that occurs after an initial traumatic injury has been treated, and the patient is now receiving follow-up care. It indicates that the hemorrhage or seroma is not a new event but a recurrence or delayed manifestation of the original trauma.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting for treatment of a secondary or recurrent hemorrhage or seroma following a traumatic injury, and the encounter is not for the initial active treatment of the trauma itself. This applies to situations where the patient is in the healing phase or receiving ongoing management for the complication.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the hemorrhage or seroma is secondary or recurrent, not a new injury.
• This "D" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter, meaning the patient is receiving routine care during the healing or recovery phase.
• Always code the underlying traumatic injury first, if still relevant to the current encounter.