Hurricane, sequela

This code signifies a health condition or injury that is a delayed effect or complication directly attributable to a hurricane. It is used when the immediate impact of the hurricane has passed, but the patient is still experiencing residual medical issues stemming from the event. These sequelae can manifest physically or psychologically.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's current medical condition that is a long-term consequence of a hurricane. Examples include chronic respiratory problems from mold exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the event, or persistent injuries sustained during the hurricane that are now being treated. This code is appropriate for encounters occurring well after the hurricane itself.

• Always use in conjunction with a code describing the specific sequela (e.g., J45.909 for asthma, F43.10 for PTSD).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past hurricane event.
• The "S" in the 7th character indicates "sequela" and is mandatory for this code.