Contact with scissors, sequela

This code indicates a long-term complication or condition resulting from a past injury involving contact with scissors. It signifies that the initial injury has resolved, but its lasting effects are still being addressed or are present. Examples include chronic pain, scarring, nerve damage, or limited range of motion stemming from the original incident.

Use this code when documenting a patient encounter for a sequela (late effect) directly attributable to a previous injury caused by scissors. This applies when the acute phase of the original injury has passed, and the patient is being treated for or presents with a residual condition. For instance, a patient presenting with a keloid scar from a childhood scissor cut would be appropriately coded with this.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code describing the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., scar, nerve damage).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past scissor injury.
• Do not use for acute injuries; those require an initial encounter (A) or subsequent encounter (D) seventh character.