Burn of third degree of forehead and cheek, init encntr

This diagnosis code signifies a severe, full-thickness burn affecting the forehead and cheek, characterized by destruction of all skin layers, including nerve endings, resulting in a waxy, leathery, or charred appearance. The injury requires immediate medical attention and often involves significant tissue damage.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting for initial treatment of a third-degree burn specifically located on the forehead and cheek. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or the first outpatient encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "third degree" and the exact anatomical sites of the forehead and cheek.
• Verify this is the initial encounter for treatment of this burn; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always code additional burns to other body sites separately, if applicable.