Heat exposure on board merchant ship, sequela

This code identifies health conditions or symptoms that are a direct result of a past heat exposure incident that occurred while the patient was on board a merchant ship. It signifies a long-term or residual effect rather than an acute event. These sequelae can manifest in various ways, impacting multiple organ systems.

This code is appropriate for documenting conditions such as chronic kidney disease, neurological deficits, or persistent cardiovascular issues that are medically determined to be a consequence of a prior heat-related illness sustained during duty on a merchant vessel. It should be used when the acute phase of the heat exposure has passed, and the patient is presenting for treatment of these lasting effects.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a historical heat exposure event on a merchant ship.
• Do not use for acute heat-related illnesses; those require codes from the T67 category.