The ICD-10 code range T40-T52 pertains to burns and corrosions confined to the eye and internal organs. This range includes codes for burns and corrosions of varying degrees, from first to third degree, and covers a variety of substances, including chemicals and hot liquids. The codes also differentiate between burns and corrosions, the latter being injuries caused by strong acids or alkalis.

Key Usage Points:

•Identify the degree of the burn or corrosion, as this will determine the specific code used.
•Distinguish between burns and corrosions, as they are coded differently.
•Note the substance that caused the burn or corrosion, as this is included in the code.
•Consider the location of the burn or corrosion, as this is also specified in the code.
•Remember to code for any complications or additional injuries related to the burn or corrosion.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with a burn or corrosion confined to the eye.
✓When a patient has an internal organ burn or corrosion.
✓When documenting follow-up care for a burn or corrosion.
✓When a patient has complications from a burn or corrosion.
✓When a patient has a burn or corrosion caused by a specific substance.

When NOT to Use:

✗When the burn or corrosion is not confined to the eye or internal organs.
✗When the burn or corrosion is caused by a substance not specified in the T40-T52 range.
✗When the patient has a thermal burn, which is coded differently.
✗When the burn or corrosion is a result of a larger, systemic condition.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions with the most current ICD-10 guidelines.

Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation for burns and corrosions confined to the eye and internal organs should include the degree of the burn or corrosion, the substance that caused it, the location, and any related complications or injuries. It should also specify whether the injury is a burn or corrosion.

Clinical Information:

•Degree of the burn or corrosion
•Substance that caused the burn or corrosion
•Location of the burn or corrosion
•Whether the injury is a burn or corrosion
•Any related complications or injuries

Supporting Evidence:

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

Good Documentation Example:

Patient presents with a second-degree chemical burn to the left eye caused by a household cleaning product. No complications noted.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has a burn to the eye.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not specifying the degree of the burn or corrosion
⚠Not identifying the substance that caused the burn or corrosion
⚠Not indicating the location of the burn or corrosion
⚠Not distinguishing between a burn and a corrosion

Range Statistics

Total Codes

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The T40-T52 range is rated as medium complexity due to the need to identify multiple factors, including the degree of the burn or corrosion, the substance that caused it, and the location. In addition, the coder must distinguish between burns and corrosions and code for any related complications or injuries.

Key Factors:

▸Identifying the degree of the burn or corrosion
▸Distinguishing between burns and corrosions
▸Identifying the substance that caused the burn or corrosion
▸Determining the location of the burn or corrosion
▸Coding for any related complications or injuries

Specialty Focus

The T40-T52 range is particularly relevant to ophthalmologists and gastroenterologists, as they often treat burns and corrosions to the eyes and internal organs, respectively. Emergency medicine physicians may also frequently use these codes.

Primary Specialties:

Ophthalmology

40%

Gastroenterology

30%

Emergency Medicine

30%

Clinical Scenarios:

• A patient presents to the emergency department with a chemical burn to the eye caused by a cleaning product.
• A patient is seen in follow-up for a second-degree burn to the esophagus caused by accidental ingestion of a corrosive substance.
• A patient presents to the ophthalmologist's office with complications from a previous chemical burn to the eye.
• A patient is seen in the gastroenterologist's office for a third-degree corrosion to the stomach caused by intentional ingestion of a corrosive substance.

Resources & References

Resources for the T40-T52 range include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
National Center for Health Statistics

Clinical References:

American Academy of Ophthalmology
American College of Gastroenterology

Educational Materials:

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I distinguish between a burn and a corrosion?

A burn is typically caused by heat, electricity, or radiation, while a corrosion is caused by a strong acid or alkali. The substance that caused the injury will usually indicate whether it is a burn or corrosion.