Patient presents with complaints consistent with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) following a resolved episode of herpes zoster (shingles).  Onset of pain was approximately [number] weeks ago, corresponding to the healing of the shingles rash located on the [location of rash, e.g., left thoracic dermatome].  The patient describes the pain as [quality of pain, e.g., burning, stabbing, shooting] and reports allodynia and hyperalgesia in the affected area.  Pain severity is reported as [pain scale rating, e.g., 7/10 on the numerical rating scale] and significantly impacts activities of daily living, including [list affected activities, e.g., sleep, dressing, work].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., mild erythema, no active vesicles, light touch eliciting pain response].  Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia is confirmed based on clinical presentation, history of shingles, and duration of pain exceeding three months post-rash resolution.  Differential diagnoses considered included diabetic neuropathy, post-traumatic neuralgia, and musculoskeletal pain.  Treatment plan includes initiation of [medication, e.g., gabapentin] titrated to effect for neuropathic pain management.  Patient education provided on postherpetic neuralgia, medication side effects, and coping strategies for chronic pain.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [timeframe, e.g., two weeks] to assess treatment response and adjust therapy as needed.  ICD-10 code: G53.22.  Referral to pain management specialist will be considered if symptoms do not improve with initial therapy.