Intentional self-harm by handgun discharge, sequela

This code signifies a long-term consequence or complication arising from a previous act of intentional self-harm involving a handgun discharge. It indicates that the patient is currently experiencing a health problem directly attributable to that past event, rather than the acute injury itself. These sequelae can range from chronic pain and neurological deficits to psychological conditions or physical disfigurement.

Apply this code when documenting a current condition that is a direct result of a self-inflicted handgun injury that occurred in the past. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the focus is on managing the chronic effects, such as a patient presenting with paralysis from a spinal cord injury sustained during the original event, or ongoing psychiatric care for PTSD related to the attempt. Do not use for the initial acute injury.

• Always sequence this sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation(s) of the sequela.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past self-harm event by handgun.
• Distinguish carefully between acute injury codes and sequela codes; this code is for chronic, residual effects.