Scratched by cat, sequela

This code indicates a sequela, or a late effect, resulting from a previous cat scratch. It signifies that the patient is presenting with a condition or symptom that is a direct consequence of an injury sustained from a cat scratch in the past, after the acute phase of the initial injury has resolved.

Use this code when documenting conditions such as chronic infections, scarring, or persistent nerve damage that are directly attributable to a cat scratch that occurred at an earlier date. This applies when the patient is no longer being treated for the immediate injury but for its lasting impact.

• Always sequence this code after the code describing the specific sequela (e.g., a code for scar, chronic infection).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past cat scratch.
• Do not use for acute cat scratches; those require initial encounter or subsequent encounter codes.