Heat exposure on board other powered watercraft, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or residual health effect resulting from a patient's exposure to excessive heat while on a powered watercraft other than a merchant ship, fishing boat, or warship. These sequelae could manifest as chronic organ damage, neurological deficits, or persistent dermatological conditions that developed after the initial heat-related injury.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic kidney disease, persistent cognitive impairment, or severe skin scarring that are directly attributed to a past heatstroke or heat exhaustion event occurring on a recreational boat, yacht, or similar powered vessel. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these lasting effects, not the initial acute injury.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic kidney disease).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past heat exposure incident on an "other powered watercraft."
• Verify the "S" seventh character is appropriate for sequela, indicating a late effect of the initial injury.