Burn of third degree of lower back, sequela

This code signifies a third-degree burn affecting the lower back, where the acute injury has healed, and the patient is now experiencing long-term complications or residual effects. Third-degree burns involve full-thickness skin destruction, often extending into subcutaneous tissue, and typically result in significant scarring, contractures, or chronic pain. The "sequela" designation indicates that the burn itself is no longer active, but its lasting consequences are being addressed.

This code is appropriate when documenting encounters for patients presenting with complications directly attributable to a previously sustained third-degree burn of the lower back. Examples include treatment for severe scar contractures limiting mobility, chronic neuropathic pain in the affected area, or reconstructive surgery to address disfigurement from the old burn. It should be used when the focus of care is on the residual effects, not the initial burn treatment.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) in conjunction with this code to describe the circumstances of the burn injury, if known and applicable.
• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the burn as "third degree" and the anatomical site as the "lower back."
• The "S" seventh character indicates sequela, meaning the acute phase of the burn has passed, and the current encounter addresses a complication or late effect.