What does the term 'sequela' refer to in medical terminology?

The term 'sequela' in medical terminology specifically refers to the late effects or aftereffects that remain following an acute illness, injury, or disease. This can include conditions or residual effects that persist long after the initial event has occurred, such as chronic pain after surgery, lingering symptoms after an infection, or functional impairments following a stroke. Understanding this term is important in coding and billing processes as it impacts how health conditions are documented and billed for treatment in medical records.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of 'sequela.’ Conditions that arise during a patient's hospital stay and complications during treatment are related to acute or ongoing issues rather than the lasting effects referenced by sequela. Preventative care measures focus on preventing illness rather than addressing consequences of past conditions. Hence, these do not align with the definition of sequela.