Corrosion of third degree of nose (septum), sequela

This code signifies a third-degree chemical burn, also known as a corrosion, affecting the nasal septum, where the initial injury has healed but is still causing residual problems or complications. A third-degree burn involves full-thickness destruction of the skin and underlying tissue, often resulting in scarring, contractures, or functional impairment. The "sequela" aspect indicates that this code is used for the late effects or complications of such an injury, not the acute event itself.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a long-term complication or residual effect directly attributable to a past third-degree chemical burn of the nasal septum. Examples include chronic pain, disfigurement, septal perforation, or breathing difficulties arising from scar tissue formation after the initial burn has healed. This code is appropriate for follow-up care related to these lasting effects.

• Always use this code with an external cause code (V00-Y99) to identify the circumstances of the corrosion.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "sequela" or "late effect" of a third-degree corrosion to the nasal septum.
• Do not use this code for the initial acute injury; instead, use the appropriate acute third-degree corrosion code.