The ICD-10 code range T30-T42 is dedicated to burns and corrosions of external body surface, specified by site. This range includes codes for burns and corrosions of multiple and unspecified body regions, burns of eye and adnexa, burns of respiratory and intrathoracic organs, and burns of oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus. The codes are further classified by degree (first, second, third) and by the extent of body surface involved.

Key Usage Points:

•Always code burns from highest to lowest degree.
•For burns affecting multiple body regions, use additional codes if necessary.
•Use an additional code to identify any inhalation injury.
•For burns of the same local site but of different degrees, only the code for the highest degree burn should be assigned.
•For burns and corrosions, assign separate codes for each burn site.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with burns or corrosions affecting the external body surface.
✓When a patient has burns of varying degrees at the same site.
✓When a patient has burns affecting multiple body regions.
✓When a patient has burns or corrosions of the eye and adnexa.
✓When a patient has burns or corrosions of the respiratory and intrathoracic organs.

When NOT to Use:

✗When a patient has burns or corrosions affecting internal organs, use the appropriate codes from T26-T28.
✗When a patient has frostbite, use the appropriate codes from T33-T34.
✗When a patient has burns resulting from procedures, use the appropriate codes from Y60-Y69.
✗When a patient has burns resulting from self-harm or assault, use the appropriate codes from X00-X19.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions using the ICD-10-CM official guidelines to ensure accurate coding.

Documentation Requirements

Accurate and detailed documentation is essential for coding burns and corrosions. Documentation should clearly specify the site, degree, and extent of burns, as well as any related complications.

Clinical Information:

•Specific site of the burn or corrosion
•Degree of the burn (first, second, third)
•Extent of body surface involved
•Presence of any inhalation injury
•Cause of the burn or corrosion

Supporting Evidence:

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

Good Documentation Example:

Patient presents with second-degree burns on the left arm and third-degree burns on the chest, covering approximately 20% of the body surface. The burns were caused by a house fire. The patient also has inhalation injury.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has burns.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not specifying the degree of the burn
⚠Not specifying the site of the burn
⚠Not documenting the extent of body surface involved
⚠Not documenting any related inhalation injury

Range Statistics

Total Codes

110

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The coding complexity for burns and corrosions is medium due to the need to accurately identify the degree, site, and extent of burns, as well as any related complications. Additionally, the cause of the burn may affect the coding.

Key Factors:

▸Determining the degree of the burn
▸Identifying the specific site of the burn
▸Calculating the extent of body surface involved
▸Identifying any related complications
▸Determining the cause of the burn

Specialty Focus

Burns and corrosions are most commonly encountered in emergency medicine, plastic surgery, and critical care. These specialties often deal with the acute management and long-term treatment of burns.

Primary Specialties:

Emergency Medicine

40%

Plastic Surgery

30%

Critical Care

30%

Clinical Scenarios:

• A patient presents to the emergency department with severe burns from a house fire.
• A patient is admitted to the ICU for management of burns covering 30% of body surface.
• A patient undergoes skin grafting for a third-degree burn on the leg.
• A patient presents for follow-up after treatment for burns from a chemical spill.
• A patient presents for cosmetic surgery for burn scars.

Resources & References

There are several resources available for coding burns and corrosions, including the ICD-10-CM official guidelines, clinical reference books, and educational materials.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
American Burn Association Practice Guidelines
World Health Organization ICD-10 Guidelines

Clinical References:

Clinical Guide to Skin and Wound Care
Burns: A Practical Approach to Immediate Treatment and Long Term Care

Educational Materials:

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ICD-10 Training
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 Training

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I code for burns of different degrees at the same site?

For burns of the same local site but of different degrees, only the code for the highest degree burn should be assigned.