Assault by steam or hot vapors, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from an injury sustained due to an assault involving steam or hot vapors. It indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience a lasting health problem directly attributable to that past event.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic respiratory issues, permanent scarring, or nerve damage that are a direct result of a previous assault by steam or hot vapors. This code is appropriate for encounters where the sequela, not the initial injury, is the focus of treatment.

• Always sequence the code for the specific sequela (e.g., scar, chronic bronchitis) first, followed by this external cause code.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past assault by steam or hot vapors.
• This "S" seventh character indicates a sequela and should only be used for conditions that are a late effect of the original injury.