Burn of third degree of right ear, sequela

This code signifies a healed third-degree burn injury affecting any part of the right outer ear, excluding the eardrum, where the residual effects or complications of the burn are currently being treated or evaluated. A third-degree burn involves full-thickness skin destruction, often resulting in scarring, contractures, or other long-term sequelae.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents for treatment of a complication directly attributable to a previously sustained third-degree burn of the right ear. Examples include surgical revision of a scar contracture, management of chronic pain, or reconstructive procedures related to the old burn injury. It should be used when the acute burn has healed, and the focus of care is on the lasting effects.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., scar, contracture).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the historical third-degree burn of the right ear.
• Do not use this code for acute burns; refer to the acute burn codes for initial treatment.