Bitten by orca, sequela

This code indicates that a patient is experiencing a health condition or complication that is a direct result of a previous orca bite. The initial injury has healed, but its lasting effects are now the focus of treatment. This could include chronic pain, nerve damage, scarring, or psychological sequelae.

Use this code when documenting and billing for the treatment of long-term health problems directly attributable to an orca bite that occurred in the past. This applies when the acute injury has resolved, and the current encounter addresses the residual effects. For example, a patient presenting with persistent stiffness in a limb years after an orca bite.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., chronic pain, scar, nerve damage).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the historical orca bite.
• Do not use for the initial acute injury; that would require an acute injury code from the W56.21XA or W56.21XD categories.