Passenger of snowmobile injured in traffic accident, sequela

This code indicates that a patient sustained an injury as a passenger in a snowmobile involved in a traffic accident, and the encounter is for the sequela or late effects of that injury. It signifies that the initial acute injury has already been treated, and the current visit addresses a complication, residual effect, or long-term consequence directly resulting from the original snowmobile accident.

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for conditions such as chronic pain, nerve damage, scar contractures, or ongoing functional limitations that are directly attributable to an injury sustained as a snowmobile passenger in a traffic accident. This code is appropriate for encounters occurring after the initial healing period, where the focus is on managing the lasting impact of the trauma.

• Always assign a primary code for the specific sequela or condition being treated (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion of fracture).
• Ensure the "S" for sequela is the 7th character, indicating the encounter is for the late effects of the injury.
• Verify that the accident involved a snowmobile and occurred in a traffic setting, and the patient was a passenger.