Car passenger injured in collision w SUV in traf, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or residual condition resulting from a past traffic accident where a car passenger was injured in a collision with a sport utility vehicle. It indicates that the initial injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience lasting effects or complications directly attributable to that specific incident.

Apply this code when documenting follow-up care for chronic pain, limited range of motion, neurological deficits, or other persistent issues stemming from a car-SUV collision. This code is appropriate for encounters occurring after the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the patient is being treated for the ongoing consequences.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, scar, paralysis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past car-SUV collision.
• Verify that the encounter is for a sequela and not an acute injury, which would require an initial or subsequent encounter code.