Assault by sharp glass, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or condition resulting from an injury sustained during an assault involving sharp glass. It indicates that the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient is now experiencing a residual effect directly attributable to that past event.

Apply this code when documenting a current condition, such as chronic pain, nerve damage, scarring, or impaired function, that is a direct consequence of a previous assault by sharp glass. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the sequela, not the acute injury, is the primary focus of treatment.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, scar).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past assault by sharp glass.
• Do not use this code for the initial acute injury; use the appropriate acute injury code with an external cause code for the initial encounter.