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ICD-10 Coding for Second-Degree Burns(T22.2XXA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Second-Degree Burns. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Partial Thickness BurnsSecond-Degree Thermal Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Second-Degree Burns

T20-T25Primary Range

Burns and corrosions of external body surface, specified by site

This range includes codes for burns categorized by degree and body site, essential for documenting second-degree burns.

Burns classified according to extent of body surface involved

These codes are used to document the total body surface area affected by burns, supplementary to site-specific codes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for second-degree burns

Essential facts and insights about Second-Degree Burns

The ICD-10 code for second-degree burns of the upper limb, excluding wrist and hand, is T22.2XXA.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for quemadura pectins with different degrees of esterification 2do grado

Burn of second degree of shoulder and upper limb, except wrist and hand (initial encounter)
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of blisters and dermal involvement

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed location and depth description

Applicable To

  • Second-degree burn of arm
  • Partial thickness burn of forearm

Excludes

  • Burn of wrist and hand (T23.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Blister formation with dermal involvement
  • Painful to light touch

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding for wrist or hand burns

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and depth of the burn.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Burns involving less than 10% of body surface

T31.0
Use to document the extent of body surface affected by burns.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Burn of second degree of single finger (nail) except thumb (initial encounter)

T23.25XA
Use for burns specifically affecting fingers, not the broader upper limb.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Second-Degree Burns to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T22.2XXA.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use anatomical diagrams for precise location documentation, Include laterality and specific site details

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use T23.25XA for burns specifically involving the hand or fingers.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of burn depth and extent can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for burn documentation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Second-Degree Burns, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Second-Degree Burns

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Second-Degree Burns. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Note for Second-Degree Burn

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Body Site
  • Depth
  • Etiology
  • TBSA
  • Infection Status
  • Pain Characteristics

Example Documentation

[Body Site]: Right forearm [Depth]: Partial thickness with blisters [Etiology]: Scald from boiling water [TBSA]: 4% calculated via Lund-Browder chart [Infection Status]: Absent [Pain Characteristics]: Throbbing, rated 7/10

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has burns on arm from accident
Good Documentation Example
Second-degree partial thickness burns (4% TBSA) involving entire anterior surface of right forearm (T22.21XA) caused by boiling water spill (X12.XXXA). Lund-Browder chart used. No signs of infection.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the burn's location, depth, cause, and extent, which are necessary for accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Second-Degree Burns? Ask your questions below.

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