A patient falls off a ladder and undergoes a right femur procedure. Three weeks later, the patient returns to the hospital for removal of the external fixation device. The ICD-10-CM 7th character code value should indicate

A patient falls off a ladder and undergoes a right femur procedure. Three weeks later, the patient returns to the hospital for removal of the external fixation device. The ICD-10-CM 7th character code value should indicate
A . subsequent
B . sequela
C . initial
D . aftercare

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

The ICD-10-CM 7th character code value should indicate aftercare for a patient who falls off a ladder and undergoes a right femur procedure, and then returns to the hospital for removal of the external fixation device. Aftercare codes are used to capture encounters for follow-up care after completed treatment of an injury or condition, such as removal of external fixation devices, casts, or pins. Aftercare codes are not used for subsequent encounters for complications or infections related to the injury or condition5 References: 1: https://www.ahima.org/media/owmhxbv1/cdip_contentoutline_2023_final.pdf 5: https://my.ahima.org/store/product?id=67077