Car passenger injured in collision w van in traf, sequela

This code indicates that a patient, who was a passenger in a car, sustained injuries as a result of a traffic accident involving a collision with a van. The "sequela" designation signifies that this code is used for conditions that are the late effects or complications of such an initial injury, rather than the acute injury itself. This could include chronic pain, scar tissue, or functional limitations directly attributable to the original car-van collision.

Use this code when documenting a patient's current condition that is a direct, long-term consequence of being a car passenger in a collision with a van. This applies to follow-up encounters for persistent issues stemming from the original accident, even if the accident occurred months or years prior. It should be used when the acute phase of the injury has passed, but residual effects are still being treated or monitored.

• Always assign an additional code(s) to specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, arthritis, scar contracture).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past car-van collision.
• Do not use this code for the initial encounter of the acute injury; use the appropriate acute injury code with the "A" initial encounter seventh character.