Contact with unspecified sharp object(s), sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late effect resulting from an injury caused by an unspecified sharp object. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient is now experiencing a residual condition directly attributable to that past trauma.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a sequela (e.g., scar tissue, chronic pain, nerve damage) from a previous injury involving a sharp object, and the specific type of sharp object is not documented. This code is appropriate when the acute phase of the injury has passed.

• Always sequence this code second, after the code for the specific sequela being treated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past injury from an unspecified sharp object.
• Avoid using this code for acute injuries; instead, use the appropriate acute injury code with the correct seventh character.