The ICD-10 code range T70-T82 covers burns and corrosions of multiple and unspecified body regions. These codes are used to document various degrees and types of burns, from first-degree burns to third-degree burns, as well as corrosions. The codes also specify the body region affected and whether the burn or corrosion is initial or subsequent, and if it is a sequela.

Key Usage Points:

•Always code for the highest degree of burn in the affected area.
•Use additional codes to identify any associated infections.
•For burns, the code also identifies the percentage of body surface involved.
•For corrosions, the code identifies the agent causing the corrosion.
•Always use a sequela code for late effects of burns and corrosions.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When documenting a patient's initial visit for a burn or corrosion.
✓When documenting a patient's follow-up visit for a burn or corrosion.
✓When documenting a patient's visit for complications related to a burn or corrosion.
✓When documenting a patient's visit for late effects of a burn or corrosion.

When NOT to Use:

✗When the burn or corrosion is not the primary reason for the patient's visit.
✗When the burn or corrosion has completely healed and is no longer being treated.
✗When the patient is being seen for a different condition.
✗When the burn or corrosion is an old condition and is not affecting the patient's current health status.

Code Exclusions

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

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for burns and corrosions should include the type of burn or corrosion, the degree of the burn, the body region affected, and the percentage of body surface involved. For corrosions, the agent causing the corrosion should also be documented.

Clinical Information:

•Type of burn or corrosion
•Degree of burn
•Body region affected
•Percentage of body surface involved
•Agent causing corrosion (for corrosions)

Supporting Evidence:

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

Good Documentation Example:

Patient presents with second-degree burn on left arm, covering approximately 10% of body surface. Burn caused by hot water.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has burn on arm.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not documenting the degree of the burn
⚠Not documenting the body region affected
⚠Not documenting the percentage of body surface involved
⚠Not documenting the agent causing the corrosion for corrosions

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 degree of the burn, the body region affected, and the percentage of body surface involved. For corrosions, identifying the agent causing the corrosion can also add complexity.

Key Factors:

▸Determining the degree of the burn
▸Identifying the body region affected
▸Calculating the percentage of body surface involved
▸Identifying the agent causing the corrosion for corrosions

Specialty Focus

These codes are primarily used by emergency medicine physicians, surgeons, and dermatologists. They may also be used by primary care physicians and other specialists who treat patients with burns and corrosions.

Primary Specialties:

Emergency Medicine

40%

Surgery

30%

Dermatology

20%

Clinical Scenarios:

• Patient presents to the emergency department with a third-degree burn on the right leg caused by a fire.
• Patient presents to the surgeon's office for follow-up after skin graft surgery for a burn.
• Patient presents to the dermatologist's office for treatment of a skin infection related to a burn.

Resources & References

Resources for coding burns and corrosions include the ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational materials on burn and corrosion coding.

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:

American Health Information Management Association
American Academy of Professional Coders

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I code for a burn that covers multiple body regions?

Use separate codes for each body region affected by the burn. If the burn covers a large area that cannot be accurately coded with separate codes, use a code for 'burn of multiple body regions'.