The T60-T72 range in the ICD-10 codes is dedicated to burns and corrosions of multiple and unspecified body regions. These codes are used to document cases where patients have sustained burns or corrosions affecting multiple regions of the body or when the specific region is not specified. The codes in this range cover varying degrees of burns, from first to third degree, and include both thermal and chemical burns.

Key Usage Points:

•Always code burns from highest to lowest degree.
•For burns affecting multiple body regions, use the code for the most severe burn.
•When the burn degree is not documented, assign the appropriate code for an unspecified burn.
•For chemical burns, use additional code to identify the source of the chemical.
•For burns resulting from a fire, use an additional code to identify the source and nature of the fire.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When documenting burns or corrosions affecting multiple body regions.
✓When the specific body region affected by a burn or corrosion is not specified.
✓When documenting burns of varying degrees.
✓When documenting chemical burns.
✓When documenting burns resulting from a fire.

When NOT to Use:

✗When the burn or corrosion affects a single, specific body region.
✗When the burn is a frostbite.
✗When the burn is a sunburn.
✗When the burn is a radiation-related burn.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions against the latest version of the ICD-10 manual.

Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation for burns and corrosions should include the cause, location, degree, and extent of the burn or corrosion. It should also include any complications and treatments provided.

Clinical Information:

•Cause of the burn or corrosion
•Location of the burn or corrosion
•Degree of the burn
•Extent of the burn
•Any complications

Supporting Evidence:

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

Good Documentation Example:

Patient presented with second-degree chemical burns on both hands and forearms, caused by an industrial acid. Burns cover approximately 18% of body surface area. No signs of infection or other complications at this time.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has burns on hands.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not specifying the degree of the burn
⚠Not specifying the cause of the burn
⚠Not documenting the extent of the burn
⚠Not documenting any complications

Range Statistics

Total Codes

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

Coding for burns and corrosions can be complex due to the need to accurately document the cause, location, degree, and extent of the burn. Additionally, any complications and treatments provided must also be coded, adding to the complexity.

Key Factors:

▸Determining the degree of the burn
▸Identifying the cause of the burn
▸Determining the extent of the burn
▸Identifying any complications
▸Determining the appropriate additional codes to use

Specialty Focus

These codes are most commonly used in emergency medicine, burn units, and plastic surgery.

Primary Specialties:

Emergency Medicine

40%

Burn Units

40%

Plastic Surgery

20%

Clinical Scenarios:

• Patient presents with burns from a house fire.
• Patient has chemical burns from an industrial accident.
• Child presents with scald burns from hot water.
• Patient presents with burns from a car accident.
• Patient has burns from an electrical source.

Resources & References

The official ICD-10 manual and the American Burn Association guidelines are the primary resources for these codes.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
American Burn Association Guidelines

Clinical References:

American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Journal of Burn Care & Research

Educational Materials:

ICD-10 Coding Clinic
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ICD-10 training

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I code for a burn when the degree is not specified?

When the degree of the burn is not specified, assign the appropriate code for an unspecified burn.