Bitten by nonvenomous lizards, subsequent encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting for follow-up care or complications arising from a bite by a nonvenomous lizard. This could include wound checks, infection treatment, or management of residual symptoms after the initial injury has been addressed.

Apply this code when a patient returns for subsequent medical attention related to a nonvenomous lizard bite. Examples include a patient returning to have sutures removed, for antibiotic treatment of a developing infection, or for evaluation of persistent pain or swelling from the original bite.

• Ensure the encounter is not the initial treatment for the bite; if it is, use the initial encounter code.
• Verify documentation clearly states the lizard was nonvenomous.
• Always code the specific nature of the injury (e.g., open wound, infection) as a primary diagnosis, with this code as an external cause.