Which of the following codes signifies a post-operative complication?

The choice of "Sequela" as the answer is correct because it directly refers to conditions that result from a previous disease or injury, often characterized as complications following a surgical procedure. In medical coding, a sequela is used to describe a condition that is a consequence of a previous surgery or event. This enables healthcare providers and insurers to understand that the current condition is directly linked to prior medical treatment or complications arising from it.

For instance, if a patient experiences a complication like an infection or scarring following cataract surgery, that complication would be classified as a sequela of the surgical procedure. This classification ensures proper documentation of the patient’s medical history and the ongoing care needs stemming from the surgery.

The other answer choices refer to different aspects of medical coding and do not specifically denote post-operative complications. Manifestation codes, for example, describe conditions that arise from another underlying condition but do not explicitly indicate a complication from a surgical procedure. Excludes Type 1 addresses conditions that cannot coexist and are therefore separate in coding. A combination code refers to codes that represent two diagnoses or a diagnosis with associated symptoms, but again, it doesn't specifically indicate a complication following surgery. Therefore, the recognition of sequela as a coding category for complications is critical in accurately