Frostbite
ICD-10 Codes (25)
T44T44.0T44.1T44.2T44.3T44.4T44.5T44.6T44.7T44.8T44.9T44.90T44.901T44.902T44.903T44.904T44.905T44.906T44.99T44.991T44.992T44.993T44.994T44.995T44.996Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (2)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for T43-T44 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range T43-T44 is dedicated to frostbite, a severe condition resulting from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. These codes cover various degrees of frostbite, from superficial to deep tissue damage, and include both localized and widespread frostbite. They also account for frostbite affecting different body parts, such as the hands, feet, and face. The codes are used to document the severity and location of frostbite in a patient's medical record, facilitating accurate billing and statistical analysis.
Key Usage Points:
- •T43-T44 codes are used for all types of frostbite, regardless of severity or location.
- •Each code specifies the body part affected and the degree of tissue damage.
- •T43-T44 codes can be used in conjunction with other codes to document related conditions or complications.
- •The codes are not used for hypothermia or other cold-related conditions that do not involve tissue freezing.
- •Accurate coding requires detailed clinical documentation of the frostbite's characteristics.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms of frostbite.
- ✓When a patient has been diagnosed with frostbite after exposure to cold temperatures.
- ✓When frostbite is a contributing factor to another condition or complication.
- ✓When a patient is being treated for the after-effects of frostbite.
- ✓When a patient's medical history includes significant frostbite.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has symptoms of cold exposure but no tissue freezing.
- ✗When a patient has hypothermia without frostbite.
- ✗When a patient's cold-related condition is better described by another code.
- ✗When the patient's condition is not directly related to frostbite.
- ✗When the frostbite is not a significant factor in the patient's current health status.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions against the patient's clinical documentation and the most recent ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Detailed clinical documentation is essential for accurate frostbite coding. The documentation should describe the frostbite's severity, location, and any related complications. It should also include the patient's exposure history and any relevant clinical findings.
Clinical Information:
- •Severity of the frostbite (superficial, deep, etc.)
- •Body part(s) affected
- •Patient's exposure history
- •Clinical findings (skin color, sensation, etc.)
- •Related complications (infection, gangrene, etc.)
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination notes
- •Imaging reports
- •Laboratory test results
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presented with blackened toes on both feet after a mountaineering trip. Physical examination confirmed deep frostbite with possible gangrene. Patient reports numbness and severe pain.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has frostbite.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the frostbite's severity
- ⚠Not documenting the affected body part
- ⚠Not including the patient's exposure history
- ⚠Not noting related complications
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Frostbite coding is of medium complexity due to the need to accurately capture the condition's severity, location, and related complications. The coder must understand the clinical manifestations of frostbite and interpret detailed clinical documentation. The codes also require knowledge of the patient's exposure history and the ability to recognize relevant clinical findings.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the frostbite's severity
- ▸Identifying the affected body part
- ▸Recognizing related complications
- ▸Understanding the patient's exposure history
- ▸Interpreting clinical findings
Specialty Focus
Frostbite coding is particularly relevant for emergency medicine, dermatology, and orthopedics. These specialties often encounter frostbite in their practice and need to document it accurately for treatment planning and billing.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A hiker rescued from a snowstorm presents with numb, white fingers.
- • A homeless person is found unconscious in winter weather with blackened feet.
- • A skier has blisters on her face after a day in extreme cold.
- • A patient with a history of frostbite complains of recurring numbness in the affected area.
- • A patient presents with an infected wound resulting from self-treated frostbite.
Resources & References
Numerous resources are available for frostbite coding, including the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference books, and educational materials. Coders should also stay updated with professional coding organizations and attend relevant workshops or webinars.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 Browser
- National Center for Health Statistics ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Dermatology guidelines
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society resources
Educational Materials:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) workshops
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) webinars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can T43-T44 codes be used for hypothermia?
No, these codes are specifically for frostbite. Hypothermia has its own code, T68.