Burn of third degree of scalp [any part], sequela

This code signifies a third-degree burn affecting any part of the scalp, where the acute injury has healed and the patient is now experiencing a complication or residual condition directly resulting from that burn. These sequelae can include scarring, alopecia, contractures, or chronic pain.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a long-term consequence of a previously sustained third-degree scalp burn. This applies to follow-up encounters for managing chronic issues, reconstructive surgeries, or ongoing therapy related to the burn's aftermath. The "S" in the seventh character indicates that this is a sequela of the original injury.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) in conjunction with this code to identify the cause of the burn.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment or active healing phases of a third-degree scalp burn; instead, use the acute burn codes.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous third-degree scalp burn.