Intentional self-harm by knife, sequela

This code signifies the long-term effects or complications arising from a past act of intentional self-harm using a knife. It indicates that the patient is currently experiencing a health problem directly attributable to the previous self-inflicted stab or cut wound, rather than the acute injury itself. These sequelae can include chronic pain, nerve damage, disfigurement, or impaired function.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a prior intentional self-inflicted knife injury. This applies to follow-up visits where the focus is on managing the chronic aftermath of the original event, such as scar revision, ongoing physical therapy for nerve damage, or psychological counseling related to the physical sequelae.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code for the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., scar, nerve damage).
• Do not use this code for the initial acute injury; use the appropriate acute injury code for that encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past intentional self-harm by knife.