Burn of second degree of left ear, sequela

This code signifies a second-degree burn affecting the left ear, excluding the eardrum, where the acute injury has healed and the patient is now presenting for treatment of a residual condition or complication directly resulting from that burn. Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and dermis, causing blistering, pain, and redness.

Apply this code when documenting the long-term effects or complications of a previously sustained second-degree burn to the left ear. This includes scenarios such as scar contractures, chronic pain, disfigurement, or impaired hearing (if not related to eardrum damage) that are directly attributable to the burn. It indicates that the burn itself is no longer in its acute phase of treatment.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., L90.5 for scar conditions).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous burn injury of the left ear.
• Verify the burn was indeed second-degree and involved the left ear (excluding the eardrum) to ensure accurate code selection.