What is an example of a sequela code?
Asked by: Kallie Hane | Last update: May 23, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (30 votes)
Which would be considered a sequela?
A sequela code is for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of a condition or injury. Examples include joint contracture after a tendon injury, hemiplegia after a stroke or scar formation following a burn.
What is an example of a sequela late effect?
Examples of sequelae include joint contracture following a tendon injury, hemiplegia after a stroke, or scar formation after a burn. These are conditions that manifest after the acute phase of an injury or illness has passed.
What does sequelae mean in coding?
Defining Sequela
ICD-10-CM says the seventh character S is “for use for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of an injury, such as scar formation after a burn. The scars are sequelae of the burn.” In other words, sequela are the late effects of an injury.
When should sequela be used?
Example 3: A sequela character (“S”) is applied for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of a condition or injury (in ICD-9, these were known as “late effects”).
7TH CHARACTERS IN MEDICAL CODING EXPLAINED: INITAL/ACTIVE A | SUBSEQUENT D | SEQUELA S
What is sequela code examples?
Coding of a sequela requires reporting of the condition or nature of the sequela sequenced first, followed by the sequela (7th character "S") code. Examples of sequela (7th character "S") diagnosis codes included in this policy: M48. 40XS (Fatigue fracture of vertebra, site unspecified, sequela of fracture)
What is the sequencing order when coding a sequela?
Coding of sequela generally requires two codes sequenced in the following order: the condition or nature of the sequela is sequenced first. The sequela code is sequenced second.
What is sequela also called as in medical coding?
Following specific coding guidelines will ensure the avoidance of costly errors that commonly occur for these two very different, but similarly named, coding situations. A sequela in ICD-10 (formerly known as “late effects”) is a residual or produced condition that is a direct result of a past illness or injury.
What is a sequela condition?
In the medical field, the term sequelae is used to define any complication or condition that results from a pre-existing illness, injury, or other trauma to the body. Some sequelae may also arise from a past medical intervention, such as a vaccine, a specific treatment, or surgery.
Is there a time limit for sequelae?
A sequela is the residual effect (produced by the condition) after the acute phase of an illness or injury has ended. There is no time limit on when a sequela code can be used.
Can sequela be a primary diagnosis?
Sequela Codes: a sequela (7th character "S") code cannot be listed as the primary, first listed, or principal diagnosis on a claim.
What is resolved with sequelae?
Recovered or Resolved with Sequelae. NCI Thesaurus. Code C49495. One of the possible results of an adverse event outcome where the subject recuperated but retained pathological conditions resulting from the prior disease or injury.
Which of the following are considered sequela regardless of time?
So, in answering the question, the late effects or sequelae, regardless of time, among the provided options would be a nonunion (Option 2) and a nonhealing fracture (Option 3).
What are sequelae in medical terms?
Sequela: A pathological condition resulting from a prior disease, injury, or attack. As for example, a sequela of polio. Verbatim from the Latin "sequela" (meaning sequel). Plural: sequelae.
What is true about sequelae?
According to ICD-10-CM, “A sequela is the residual effect (condition produced) after the acute phase of an illness or injury has terminated.”
Is pain considered a sequela of a fracture?
S=Sequela which is when the patient is being treated for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of a condition, such as recent pain due to an old injury or treatment of scar formation after a burn.
What is the difference between sequela and late effect?
Look at the diagnosis from the view of the patient since it is their diagnosis. Second the coding guidelines are specific on which code goes first. Also a late effect is the same as sequela just two different words. To be a sequela there must be some residual condition that is being treated.
What is a sequela in law?
SEQUELA. Sequela is a Latin term that means "that which follows." In history, it refers to a suit or process, such as sequela curiae (a suit of court) or sequela causae (the process of a cause). The plural form of sequela is sequelae. One example of sequela is a lawsuit that follows a legal dispute.
What is a delayed sequelae?
Delayed neurologic sequelae (DNS) are recurrent–transient neuropsychiatric consequences of carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. They manifest with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission that cause diffuse white matter or gray matter injury.
What is a sequela diagnosis?
: an aftereffect of a disease, condition, or injury. 2. : a secondary result.
What are z codes in medical coding?
Z codes are a tool for identifying a range of issues related – but not limited – to education and literacy, employment, housing, ability to obtain adequate amounts of food or safe drinking water, and occupational exposure to toxic agents, dust, or radiation.
Which of the following is not an example of a condition that would use a sequela code?
Cellulitis in an open wound is not a sequela because it is an infection that occurs in the wound, not a condition that results from the wound itself.
Which codes should never be used as primary diagnosis codes?
As provided by ICD-10-CM guidelines, inappropriate primary diagnosis codes include but are not limited to: External Cause Codes of Morbidity (V, W, X, or Y codes [ICD-10-CM]) describes an environmental event causing an injury, not the nature of the injury, and therefore should not be used as a principal diagnosis.
Which diagnosis code goes first?
"Code First" is a rule that applies to diagnoses that require a primary diagnosis to be listed first. Most Code First rules occur in diagnoses that state clearly the need or in which there is a known etiology and manifestation connection.
What is a late effect in medical coding?
What Is a Late Effect? A late effect is a residual condition that arises after an illness or injury. In other words, it's the condition “left over” or caused by the original illness or injury.