Drown due to being washed overboard from merch ship, sequela

This code describes the long-term health consequences or complications arising from a past incident where an individual was washed overboard from a merchant ship and subsequently experienced drowning or submersion. It signifies that the initial acute event has resolved, but its effects persist and require ongoing medical attention.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic respiratory issues (e.g., aspiration pneumonia sequelae, bronchiolitis obliterans), neurological deficits (e.g., anoxic brain injury sequelae), or psychological disorders (e.g., PTSD) that are directly attributable to a past drowning or submersion event from being washed overboard a merchant vessel. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the initial injury has been treated.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past drowning incident from a merchant ship.
• Verify the "S" seventh character is appropriate for sequela, indicating a late effect of the initial injury.