Abrasion of right ear, initial encounter

This code signifies a superficial injury to the right outer ear, characterized by scraping or rubbing off of the skin's surface. It indicates that the patient is receiving active treatment for this specific injury.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states an abrasion to the right ear and the encounter represents the initial visit for this injury. This is appropriate for acute care settings, emergency departments, or initial physician office visits where the patient presents for evaluation and treatment of the abrasion.

• Ensure laterality (right ear) is explicitly documented.
• Verify the encounter type is "initial" for active treatment; subsequent encounters for the same injury will use a different seventh character.
• Differentiate from lacerations (full-thickness skin breaks) or contusions (bruises) of the ear.