The ICD-10 code range T20-T32 pertains to burns and corrosions of the external body surface, specified by site. These codes cover burns and corrosions from heat, electricity, radiation, and chemicals. The codes are further categorized by the degree of the burn (first, second, third), the body part affected, and whether the burn is initial or subsequent.

Key Usage Points:

•Always specify the degree of the burn (first, second, third).
•Specify the body part affected by the burn or corrosion.
•Differentiate between initial and subsequent encounters for burns.
•Use additional codes for any associated injuries or complications.
•For multiple burns, code each burn separately.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with a burn or corrosion.
✓When a patient is being treated for complications from a burn.
✓When a patient is receiving follow-up care for a burn or corrosion.
✓When documenting a patient's medical history of burns or corrosions.
✓When a patient is being treated for burns from a recent accident.

When NOT to Use:

✗When a patient has a condition that is not a burn or corrosion.
✗When a patient has a burn or corrosion that is healing and no longer requires treatment.
✗When a patient has a burn or corrosion that is not specified by site.
✗When a patient has a burn or corrosion that is not the primary reason for the encounter.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the official ICD-10 coding guidelines.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for burns and corrosions should include the cause, degree, site, and whether the encounter is initial or subsequent. Any associated injuries or complications should also be documented.

Clinical Information:

•Cause of the burn or corrosion
•Degree of the burn
•Site of the burn
•Whether the encounter is initial or subsequent
•Any associated injuries or complications

Supporting Evidence:

•Medical history
•Physical examination findings
•Imaging studies
•Laboratory test results

Good Documentation Example:

Patient presents with second-degree chemical burn on left hand. This is the initial encounter for this injury.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has a burn.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not specifying the degree of the burn
⚠Not specifying the site of the burn
⚠Not differentiating between initial and subsequent encounters
⚠Not documenting associated injuries or complications

Range Statistics

Total Codes

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The complexity of these codes is medium because they require a detailed understanding of burns and corrosions, as well as the ability to navigate the many subcategories within this code range. Coders must also be able to differentiate between initial and subsequent encounters, and code any associated injuries or complications.

Key Factors:

▸Determining the degree of the burn
▸Identifying the site of the burn
▸Differentiating between initial and subsequent encounters
▸Coding associated injuries or complications
▸Navigating the many subcategories within this code range

Specialty Focus

These codes are primarily used by emergency medicine, surgery, and dermatology. They may also be used by primary care providers when treating or documenting burns or corrosions.

Primary Specialties:

Emergency Medicine

40%

Surgery

30%

Dermatology

20%

Primary Care

10%

Clinical Scenarios:

• Patient presents to the ER with a third-degree burn from a house fire.
• Patient is being treated for complications from a second-degree electrical burn.
• Patient is receiving follow-up care for a first-degree chemical burn.
• Patient has a medical history of burns from a previous accident.

Resources & References

Resources for these codes include the official ICD-10 coding guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials on burns and corrosions.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
National Center for Health Statistics
World Health Organization

Clinical References:

American Burn Association
American Academy of Dermatology

Educational Materials:

ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
Medical Coding Training: CPC

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I code for a patient with multiple burns?

Each burn should be coded separately. Use additional codes for any associated injuries or complications.