Final answer:
The statement is false; Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a serious complication that can follow abdominal trauma and should be properly coded. The condition involves increased intra-abdominal pressure and can have significant health consequences if not treated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "True or False: Abdominal compartment syndrome is a sequela of abdominal trauma and is therefore NOT coded?" is false. Abdominal compartment syndrome can be a serious complication following abdominal trauma and should be coded accordingly. In medical coding systems, such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), it's important to include all relevant diagnoses and complications to accurately reflect a patient's clinical status and ensure appropriate billing and statistical tracking.
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs when there is increased pressure within the abdominal cavity, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the organs within the abdomen and cause significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly recognized and treated. It is a recognized complication in patients who have sustained abdominal trauma, those with severe abdominal infection, or those with other conditions that lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Thus, if ACS arises as a sequela or directly due to abdominal trauma, it must be coded.