Bitten by dog, sequela

This code indicates a long-term or late-effect condition resulting from a dog bite injury. It is used when the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience residual symptoms, complications, or permanent damage directly attributable to the original bite.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic pain, nerve damage, disfigurement, scarring, or psychological sequelae (e.g., PTSD) that are a direct consequence of a dog bite sustained in the past. It is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these persistent issues, not for the initial acute injury.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., L90.5 for scar, G57.9 for mononeuropathy).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past dog bite.
• Do not use for the initial treatment of the dog bite; use the acute injury code (W54.0XXA) for that encounter.