Late effect of open wound of head, neck, and trunk

This code signifies a health problem that arises as a long-term consequence of an open wound to the head, neck, or trunk, even after the original wound has healed. It describes residual conditions or complications directly attributable to a past traumatic injury involving a break in the skin in these body regions.

Use this code when a patient presents with a current condition (e.g., scar contracture, chronic pain, nerve damage, disfigurement) that is a direct sequela of an open wound to the head, neck, or trunk that occurred in the past. Documentation must clearly link the current condition to the previous open wound.

• Always sequence the specific nature of the late effect (e.g., scar, pain, nerve damage) first, followed by this code.
• Ensure documentation specifies the type of open wound (e.g., laceration, puncture) that led to the late effect, if known.
• Do not use for acute open wounds; this code is exclusively for residual conditions after the initial injury has resolved.